Published on: March 9, 2026, 07:25h. 

Updated on: March 9, 2026, 07:25h.

• Raiders secure center Tyler Linderbaum with a groundbreaking contract
• Raiders enhance defensive lineup, utilizing cap space wisely
• Attention shifts to NFL Draft on April 23

As of noon EST today, NFL teams could start negotiating with unrestricted free agents, resulting in a wave of signings. The Las Vegas Raiders took immediate action, capitalizing on their league-leading $130 million salary cap.

Linderbaum Acquisition

The highlight of today was the signing of C Tyler Linderbaum, one of the top free agents this season, to an unprecedented deal: three years for $81 million, with $60 million guaranteed—marking him as the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history. This move would be a strategic masterstroke unless, in an unexpected turn of events, the Raiders forego their No. 1 overall NFL draft pick for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner.

Linderbaum is essential for shielding Mendoza, especially considering last season the Raiders struggled with one of the weakest offensive lines in the league.

Defensive Enhancements

With Linderbaum on board, Jackson Powers-Johnson is set to feature at guard. Will the Raiders apply their No. 14 draft pick, acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in the Maxx Crosby deal, to select another offensive lineman, like guard Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State?

The 2026 NFL league year and free agency period will officially commence on Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST—marking the expiration of 2025 contracts, with teams able to officially engage in free-agent signings and trades, all under a salary cap of $301.2 million.

Stokes Rejoins on a Three-Year Contract

Among the Raiders’ other signings today, WR Jalen Nailor signed a three-year, $35 million deal. While not a franchise player, he contributes solidly with 29 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Minnesota Vikings, boasting an average of 15.3 yards per reception.

The Raiders also announced contracts with LB Quay Walker (three years, $40.5 million), Nakobe Dean (three years, $36 million), and DE Kwity Paye (three years, $48 million), aiming to strengthen their defense after losing multiple Pro Bowl DE Crosby in the Ravens trade. Defensive end Malcolm Koonce penned a one-year deal worth $11 million.

Cornerback Eric Stokes is back with the Raiders on a three-year, $30 million contract after a strong performance in 2025, registering 53 tackles over 16 games.

A Thriving NFL Free Agency Day

A representative from theScore Bet mentioned there has been “nothing notable” regarding line shifts after a day filled with free agency activity. This surge included headlines like WR Mike Evans signing with the San Francisco 49ers for three years, totaling $60.4 million, Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker III landing a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, TE Travis Kelce renewing with the Chiefs for a year at $12 million, QB Tua Tagovailoa signing with the Atlanta Falcons for one year at $1.7 million, WR Malik Willis agreeing to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Dolphins, and RB Travis Etienne Jr. signing for four years at $52 million with the New Orleans Saints.

As it stands, the Raiders are listed at +20000 to win the Super Bowl with DraftKings, sharing odds with the Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets, while the Arizona Cardinals stand at +30000.

Mendoza is currently favored at -20000 at DraftKings to land the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.