Sin City Raiders

Now that time has passed since the initial “splash”, the “waters” in Raider Nation look to have calmed and gone still.

It was one week ago today that the “legal tampering” period began and on that Monday morning, the Las Vegas Raiders made one of the day’s biggest moves.

Christian Wilkins finished the 2023 season with a career-high nine sacks and will now be on the same front line that already features Maxx Crosby and his career-high 14.5 sacks from last year. Although some fans are concerned that Wilkins has been more as a run-stopper than a pass-rusher in his career, he still brings a presence to the defensive line that opposing offenses will have to at least think about. Can he continue to pressure the quarterback from the inside? Opposing teams can ignore him if they dare.

A matter of hours later, more news came to Raider Nation as the Silver and Black agreed to terms with Gardner Minshew; a man with an unfriendly history towards the team. Minshew led the Jacksonville Jaguars to victory over the Raiders in the last game in Oakland. Then last year, Minshew and Crosby had their “little-ass boy” exchange. Any potential animosity between the two seems to have been crushed as Minshew told Crosby he was a “big-ass boy.”

Regardless of whatever size we refer to these boys as, Minshew comes in as someone who can compete with incumbent-starter Aidan O’Connell.

Minshew stepped in for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and kept them competitive. Isn’t that what you’re looking for in a backup quarterback? He also brings some sneaky running ability, having ran 146 times in 49 career games. Granted, he’s no Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts, but it is nice to have at least some mobility in a quarterback. And if does end up being no more than a clipboard-holder, at least there’s a chance of entertainment from him.

So, it was an exciting first day of free agency for the Raiders. But it has left some fans wanting more. With the increased salary cap, the releases of Jimmy Garoppolo and Hunter Renfrow and the restructure of Jakobi Meyers, plus the talent at positions of need out there, why wouldn’t the Raiders match their Day-1 energy?

To be fair, the Raiders have re-signed defensive tackles Adam Butler (five sacks last year) and John Jenkins. They also have visits planned with former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White as well as Dalvin Cook’s replacement in Minnesota, Alexander Mattison. And there is something to be said for showing restraint instead of just going out and trying to out-bid the rest of the league in free agency.

There is also the popular philosophy that it is more sustainable and efficient to build through the draft rather than free agency. And for all we know, there could be an extension coming up for a guy like Malcolm Koonce. And wouldn’t it be nice if the Raiders had players worth retaining rather than having to dive deep into free agency?

This is our first offseason with Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco running the show. Pierce has spoken of how he wants guys who he believes are “Raiders.” Thinking about that, and the history of free-agents who haven’t worked out in their new homes, maybe it is for the best that Pierce has high standards for the Silver and Black.