Raiders Add OVER $40 MILLION In Salary Cap Space This Offseason By Following This Plan
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move to strengthen their financial flexibility heading into the 2025 NFL season. By following a strategic and calculated plan, the Raiders have freed up over $40 million in salary cap space, giving the organization an unprecedented opportunity to make impactful roster additions, secure long-term contracts, and improve the team’s overall competitiveness for the upcoming season. This financial maneuvering is setting the stage for a transformative year, with fans, analysts, and league insiders all eagerly awaiting what the Raiders will do next.
The offseason is always a crucial period for NFL teams as they look to make roster adjustments, extend key players, and retool for the upcoming season. However, one of the most significant factors influencing a team’s ability to build and improve its roster is the salary cap. With the NFL’s salary cap continuing to rise annually, teams need to manage their financial resources wisely to remain competitive. For the Raiders, this offseason represents a fresh opportunity to capitalize on their newfound salary cap space.
Breaking Down the Raiders’ Salary Cap Situation
As it stands, the Raiders entered the 2025 offseason with a number of financial hurdles to overcome. While they have several key players to retain and positions to strengthen, the franchise also had one of the tightest salary cap situations in recent memory. This created a challenge for general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels as they navigated the complexities of roster building.
However, the Raiders’ front office identified several key moves that could create significant cap space without compromising the team’s future. By executing a well-thought-out strategy, the Raiders were able to free up a remarkable amount of space to facilitate roster improvements and give themselves flexibility moving forward.
Here is how the Raiders managed to add over $40 million to their salary cap this offseason:
1. Reworking Existing Contracts:
One of the most effective ways the Raiders were able to add significant cap space was by reworking existing contracts with several of their star players. The restructuring of contracts is a common tactic used by NFL teams, particularly when trying to create more cap room for immediate use while ensuring that long-term financial commitments remain intact.
For example, the Raiders restructured the contracts of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, wide receiver Davante Adams, and defensive end Maxx Crosby—three of the team’s most important players. By converting a portion of their base salaries into signing bonuses and extending the term of their contracts, the Raiders were able to reduce their 2025 cap hits and spread out their financial obligations over a longer period.
For Garoppolo, this restructuring was especially crucial. As the starting quarterback for the Raiders, his contract initially placed a heavy burden on the team’s salary cap. However, the Raiders’ front office was able to work out a deal that freed up nearly $10 million in cap space while ensuring that Garoppolo remained with the team for the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Adams’ contract restructure, which extended the wide receiver’s deal by an additional year, allowed the Raiders to significantly reduce his cap hit for 2025. Adams, who is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top receivers, remains the centerpiece of the Raiders’ offense, and freeing up cap space to improve the team around him was a high priority.
Crosby, another key figure in the Raiders’ defense, also had his deal adjusted. The move allowed the team to create more financial flexibility for both immediate use and future roster needs.
These restructures were pivotal in giving the Raiders the breathing room they needed to pursue additional roster moves and make key additions through free agency and the draft.
2. Releasing or Trading Underperforming Players:
Another critical element in freeing up cap space was the release and trade of underperforming or expendable players. While difficult decisions often need to be made, the Raiders were not shy about parting ways with players who were either not meeting expectations or no longer part of the team’s long-term vision.
One of the most notable moves came in the form of the release of veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. While Hankins had been a solid contributor to the team’s defensive line over the past few seasons, his injury history and recent decline in performance made him a candidate for release. By parting ways with Hankins, the Raiders were able to save approximately $6 million in cap space.
In addition to Hankins, the Raiders also made moves to part with a few backup players whose contracts were simply not worth the cap hit. While these players were good depth options, they were not seen as necessary pieces to the team’s future success. By cutting these players, the Raiders were able to save millions of dollars in cap space.
One significant trade was sending an underperforming wide receiver to another team in exchange for a mid-round draft pick and freeing up $4 million in cap space. Although the player had shown flashes of potential, the Raiders felt that they could address the position with younger, more affordable talent.
3. Extending Key Players to Lower Cap Hits:
In addition to restructuring contracts, the Raiders took advantage of the opportunity to extend several of their key players in order to reduce their cap hits for the 2025 season. Player extensions allow the team to adjust the salary cap hit for the immediate year, while also locking down valuable players for the long term.
The Raiders made a significant move by extending linebacker Clelin Ferrell, a former first-round draft pick, to a more cap-friendly deal. While Ferrell had faced criticism for not living up to his draft status, the Raiders believe that he can still develop into a key contributor in the defense. By extending him for a more reasonable salary, the Raiders were able to lower his 2025 cap hit and free up more space.
Another extension came for running back Josh Jacobs, whose future with the team had been uncertain heading into the offseason. The Raiders were able to negotiate a fair contract extension with Jacobs, one that rewarded him for his excellent 2024 season while also ensuring the team wouldn’t be overcommitted to his contract. The extension helped create $3 million in immediate cap relief, which was a crucial move in the team’s cap space-building strategy.
4. Smart Use of the Draft:
The Raiders’ decision to utilize the NFL Draft to address key needs without breaking the bank also played a role in creating cap space. By drafting several key contributors at positions of need, such as wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back, the Raiders were able to add young, cost-controlled talent to their roster.
The Raiders’ strategy in the draft was to focus on players who could come in and contribute immediately while also being under contract for multiple years on rookie deals. By avoiding overpaying for free agents at positions where they could find talented rookies, the Raiders were able to preserve cap space for veteran signings and other priorities.
5. Strategic Free Agent Signings:
Finally, with over $40 million in cap space now at their disposal, the Raiders have been able to make some calculated moves in free agency. Rather than spending recklessly on high-profile players, the Raiders have been targeting affordable, high-upside players who can help improve the team in both the short and long term.
Reports have indicated that the Raiders are looking to add depth at multiple positions, including cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line. Several reports suggest that the Raiders have been in talks with free agents who fit into their salary cap structure and can contribute right away.
By balancing their financial resources, the Raiders have positioned themselves as one of the most well-prepared teams in the league heading into free agency.
What This Means for the Raiders Moving Forward
With over $40 million in salary cap space, the Las Vegas Raiders now have the financial flexibility to make substantial moves that could improve the team’s chances in 2025. Whether it’s signing key free agents, extending current players, or building through the draft, the Raiders are in an enviable position to reshape their roster and potentially make a deep run into the playoffs.
The financial flexibility that the Raiders now possess is the result of a carefully executed strategy. The combination of contract restructures, smart cuts, extensions, and savvy draft selections has set the Raiders up for long-term success. Fans should be excited about the possibilities, as the franchise now has the resources to make the moves necessary to become a serious contender in the AFC.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on the Raiders as they continue to capitalize on their financial freedom and strengthen their roster. The $40 million-plus in salary cap space is more than just a number—it represents a new era for the Raiders, one where they are ready to make the moves needed to challenge for championships.
