Raiders: Grades for the first wave of 2022 free agency

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive end Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates his block of a pass to stop a touchdown during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive end Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates his block of a pass to stop a touchdown during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Helmets and other equipment on the Las Vegas Raiders sideline are shown during the Raiders’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Raiders have made the most of free agency so far, but is everything as it seems? Let’s take a look at every singing up to this point, and give them each a grading. 

Since the signing period of free agency officially kicked off, the Las Vegas Raiders’ new front office has been nothing short of aggressive. They’ve taken their shots, and although they’ve missed on a few, they’ve connected on their biggest swings. They haven’t addressed everything, but they have checked off quite a few boxes.

The general manager and head coach pairing have brought in plenty of new faces to the Raiders’ organization; Some who they’re familiar with, and others they admire. There’s been several surprises, none bigger than a Chandler Jones signing out of seemingly nowhere, resulting in Pro Bowl alternative Yannick Ngakoue being traded.

Now doing things the “Patriot way”, the Raiders seem to be headed in a designated direction, as opposed to evenly distributing talent across the roster. A vision is always good to have, however, it doesn’t always mean the vision will bear fruit.

With that being the case, let’s go ahead and dive into the free agency moves Las Vegas has made in the first wave of free agency, and grade them accordingly. There will be various factors taken into effect, from the contract given out, all the way to how the newly-signed player fits with the team.

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