The Las Vegas Raiders went on quite a spending spree during the offseason. Between that, several returning players on big-ticket deals and a number of bad contracts still on the books, Las Vegas wasn't exactly flush with salary cap space ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
So, on Thursday morning, the Raiders restructured the contracts of Jalen Nailor and Quay Walker, both of whom signed with the team in free agency. By converting some of the money into a signing bonus and adding void years, John Spytek and Co. created $8.2 million in 2026 cap space.
And while this may immediately signal to fans that a sizeable move is coming, that is not the only option on the table. So, let's go over the choices that the Silver and Black now have, with a total of roughly $11.5 million in salary cap space after the aforementioned restructures.
Options for Las Vegas Raiders after freeing up cap space by restructuring deals
Option 1: Raiders sign a free agent
Obviously, the Raiders now have more salary cap space to potentially add an external player. With tight end Brock Bowers injured, it stands to reason that Las Vegas could look for another pass-catching weapon, whether it be a wide receiver or a tight end. Unfortunately, pickings are very slim.
Darius Slayton is the lowest-hanging fruit here, but the team didn't necessarily need to restructure to accommodate what would likely be a veteran minimum deal. And no one on the veteran market even stands out as an immediate solution or a long-term play in this price range at any position, really.
So, a big addition feels unlikely, although a free agent could still be in the picture. With the Raiders only previously having between $2 million and $3 million in cap space, they had no flexibility. Now, Las Vegas can add someone cheap to the roster and not have to completely deplete their funds.
Option 2: Las Vegas strikes a trade
To trade for a player, a team must have the salary cap space available to account for their salary cap hit that season; they can't do restructures or cap clearing after the deal. So, theoretically, the Raiders could be angling for a trade and have positioned themselves to take on another player's 2026 cap hit.
Obviously, folks are going to think about Maxx Crosby going to the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas getting someone in return, like Rashan Gary, Malik Hooker, or maybe even DaRon Bland. The Raiders could also just strike a trade for another player who fits under their current salary cap constraints.
At wide receiver, the two names that stick out are Jauan Jennings ($9.5 million cap hit) and Jerry Jeudy ($10.4 million cap hit). Of course, that would put Las Vegas back at square one in terms of finances, but it would at least add a solid pass-catcher to the offense if they want to do that.
Again, this is an option, but a trade isn't super likely. At least not right now...
Option 3: John Spytek keeps a rainy day fund
Honestly, this move was probably just made to give the Raiders some financial flexibility. This league is unpredictable, and having around $11.5 million in salary cap space feels a lot better than having just $2 million to $3 million. Las Vegas needs to be ready for any situation that may come up.
Maybe the Silver and Black are looking playoff-bound at the halfway point and want to add a player. This gives them the flexibility to do that. Maybe, as we mentioned, they deal Crosby again and need to take on the salary of a player in return. This gives them the flexibility to do that as well.
A surprise player could get cut or waived, and having your finances straightened out in that scenario is a great thing. And this flexibility could matter not only this year, but also next offseason and into the 2027 NFL season.
Option 4: Raiders want the cap to roll over into 2027
The final option for Las Vegas would be to let their salary cap roll over into 2027. By clearing up more in 2026, more can roll over. And there is technically no limit on the amount of cap space that a team can do this with, although the NFLPA requires teams to spend a certain amount of money each year.
So, instead of having just a few million extra dollars to spend next offseason, the Raiders may have given themselves an extra $8.2 million. That is starter-level money, and probably a smart thing to do for a team still in the early stages of a rebuild and in need of more talent in 2027 free agency.
It remains to be seen what John Spytek and the front office's plans are with this extra salary cap space now available, but they certainly aren't short on options.
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