Published on: March 18, 2026, 06:51h.
Updated on: March 18, 2026, 06:54h.
- Las Vegas Raiders Odds Change Following Free Agency Acquisitions and Crosby Trade Talks
- Increased Betting Activity on Raiders Lines
- Raiders Own First-Pick in NFL Draft, Strongly Expected to Select Heisman Winner QB Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the free agency period with the highest salary cap available among NFL franchises, allowing them to make notable signings that have caught bettors’ attention.
Crosby Addresses Trade Speculations
As of March 16, the Raiders enjoyed a healthy $25.4 million in salary cap space, despite significant expenditures in free agency.
“While the offseason hasn’t gone precisely as planned—with the unsuccessful trade involving Maxx Crosby—overall, it has been quite positive,” stated Joey Feazel, Head of Football at Caesars Sportsbook. “We are witnessing a surge in betting activity for the Raiders, particularly with improved odds for regular season wins, while odds in other markets remain stable.
“As we always see, I anticipate substantial Raiders-related betting throughout the summer, particularly with the buzz surrounding their expected new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.”
Raiders’ Free Agency Moves
Crosby’s situation has influenced the Raiders’ strategy significantly. The team believed it had a trade in place with the Baltimore Ravens for the accomplished defensive lineman, offering two first-round picks, including the No. 14 overall for this year’s draft. However, the Ravens backed out due to concerns over Crosby’s recovering knee.
This development occurred after the Raiders made substantial moves in free agency, highlighted by the signing of center Tyler Linderbaum for three years at $81 million, followed by offensive lineman Spencer Burford on a one-year deal. Additionally, they secured linebackers Quay Walker (three years, $40.5 million) and Nakobe Dean (three years, $36 million), along with edge rusher Kwity Paye (three years, $48 million).
The team also acquired wide receivers Jalen Nailor (three years, $35 million) and Dareke Young (one-year contract). Other strategic signings included fullback Connor Heyward and linebacker Segun Olubi, alongside re-signings of Malcolm Koonce and Eric Stokes. Additionally, they traded for corner Taron Johnson from Buffalo.
Betting Surge in Las Vegas
With Crosby back in the fold, the Raiders have consolidated their front seven. Despite speculation about Crosby’s potential trade, recent comments from him and the team suggest he is likely to remain. Crosby appears to have a solid rapport with new head coach Klint Kubiak and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, his former position coach.
Any residual tension from last season, when the Raiders ended Crosby’s campaign due to his knee injury, seems to have dissipated. Crosby recently expressed on his podcast: “I was furious and confused. I am fully aware of my capability. My rehabilitation is progressing excellently, and my commitment is stronger than ever. I belong here; I am a Raider at heart.”
Betting Odds Analysis
ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter noted that the consensus seems to lean toward Crosby remaining with the Raiders. Initially, trade discussions arose because Crosby had expressed a desire to leave, but it appears that has changed.
The Raiders find themselves with a significantly enhanced defense and still possess some cap flexibility. However, the question remains: how will they proceed with their rebuild, especially without the anticipated 14th overall pick from Baltimore?
They have made substantial efforts to construct an offense around the likely first-round selection of Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, paired with running back Ashton Jeanty. Key players include Linderbaum and potential starting guard Burford. The team also drafted guard Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round of 2024 and tackle D.J. Glaze in the third round, along with tackles Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant last year.
Dylan Parham has signed as a free agent with the New York Jets after leaving the Raiders.
Improved Offensive Line Strategies
Additionally, the Raiders hold their second-round pick at No. 41, third-round selections at No. 67 and No. 72, fourth-round picks at No. 102 and No. 134, a fifth-rounder at No. 175, a sixth-round pick at No. 185 and No. 208, along with two seventh-round selections at No. 219 and No. 221. How many of these picks will they use to further develop and support Mendoza?
On March 9, the opening day of NFL free agency, the Raiders had +20000 odds to win the Super Bowl at DraftKings, alongside the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets. As of today, those odds have improved to +15000 at DraftKings, +12500 at FanDuel, and +12500 at Caesars Sportsbook.
AFC Betting Odds Trends
According to Ethan Useloff, Sports Trader for Fanatics Sportsbook, the narrative around the Las Vegas Raiders—a team that finished 3-14 last season—has seen a marked improvement in betting perspectives.
“Maxx Crosby is undoubtedly the most crucial player on the Raiders roster, especially after nearly securing multiple first-round picks,” he remarked. “Las Vegas’ odds for 2026 have noticeably shifted in response to the latest news regarding Crosby’s trade discussions, with their Super Bowl odds fluctuating from +15000 to +20000 following the trade proposition, only to shorten to +10000 after it fell through. The AFC odds reflected a similar trajectory, shifting from +8000 to +10000, now standing at +6000, while their odds to win the AFC West have transitioned from +2000 to +2500 now sitting at +1800.”
“Overall, this indicates that the Raiders have made considerable strides with their offseason additions, such as Tyler Linderbaum, Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and Taron Johnson, among others,” Useloff added. “Las Vegas addressed its offensive line issues with Linderbaum and Spencer Burford, showcasing a commitment to safeguarding their anticipated top pick, Fernando Mendoza.
“Should the Raiders choose to retain Crosby following the trade negotiations, he would be part of a significantly more competitive roster than in previous years. While the division remains tough, it appears they are dedicated to a sound rebuilding strategy, potentially with Maxx Crosby solidly in the mix.”