After starting 3-0, the Las Vegas Raiders have lost four straight games and are searching for solutions to multiple issues, so we'll look at the 2026 free-agent class to assess who should see more or fewer snaps going forward.
Head coach Klint Kubiak is open to changes, but he told reporters that Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback. And there are differing opinions on whether or not that is the right decision.
"I'm gonna let you guys know that Kirk is our starting quarterback. There is no controversy. Kirk is playing at a very high level. And got to continue to do that for us to win. We've got to keep helping all the areas around him. So I'm excited for him to go play here against the Jets."
Kubiak provided his thoughts on Cousins, so here's the stock watch for three other veterans from this year's free-agent class
DT Foley Fatukasi: Stock Down
In Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Folorunso Fatukasi played 44% of the defensive snaps and finished with zero tackles. The Raiders needed more from the nine-year veteran, who's one of their primary interior run defenders.
The Rams led the entire game, which allowed them to dictate the pace with their ground attack, but they averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Even when the Raiders expected the run, they couldn't stop it.
Fatukasi's blank stat sheet should raise eyebrows, given he played nearly 50% of the snaps against an opponent with a run-heavy game script.
EDGE Kwity Paye: Stock Down
The Raiders haven't seen much of Kwity Paye since his two-sack game in the season opener. Since then, he's only logged one sack and hasn't made a notable impact against the run.
Paye had a quiet outing against Los Angeles, logging two tackles (one solo) while on the field for 66.7% of the defensive snaps.
Las Vegas signed Paye to a three-year, $48 million deal this past offseason, which looks like a massive overpay after a month of underwhelming performances.
CB Eric Stokes: Stock Up
The Rams didn't have Davante Adams on the field, but Eric Stokes handled his coverage assignments well. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed two catches for just nine yards on four targets, a 56.3 passer rating.
After struggling against the New England Patriots in Week 5, Stokes is trending in the right direction, though he must clean up his tackling.
Rams' playmakers, especially wideout Puka Nacua, have a knack for picking up yards after the catch. Stokes missed a couple of tackles, but he's still a solid perimeter defender. The sixth-year veteran will have a tough matchup against New York Jets wideout Garrett Wilson in Week 8.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
Add us as a preferred source on Google