Per Spotrac, the Las Vegas Raiders have $17.5M in cap space, ninth most in the league. However, they will add to that total once they jettison Derek Carr. That’s money Las Vegas could allocate to free-agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo of the Niners. Of course, Carr won’t be the only departure.
Derek Carr, QB
Although Carr is the franchise’s all-time passing leader (217 TDs), both sides made it clear they plan to move on. Las Vegas tried to trade Carr, who has a no-trade clause, but the nine-year veteran is having none of that.
Expect Las Vegas to release Carr before Wednesday, when his $40.5M in guaranteed money kicks in, according to OverTheCap. That means the Raiders will incur a $5.6M cap hit but save $29.3M in cap space.
Las Vegas could use the money in pursuit of Garoppolo, who can mentor a young QB or serve as a bridge QB. Las Vegas holds the No.7 overall pick in the NFL Draft, in potential range to draft Kentucky’s Will Levis.
Andre James, Center
James, a solid player but not of Pro Bowl-caliber, has played four seasons and 60 games for the Raiders. Las Vegas needs an upgrade.
The lack of fanfare combined with a high cap number increases the likelihood that James will be cut. If the Raiders let him go before the June 1 deadline, they will save $5.6M with a $1.9M cap hit. Cutting him after the deadline will save $6.5M and incur a $480K cap hit.
O-line free-agent targets could include Jacksonville’s Jawaan Taylor. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed a 2.5 percent pressure rate, the third lowest at RT. His market value is a three-year deal worth $12M in annual salary, according to Spotrac.
Bilal Nichols, DT
The Raiders will revamp their defense, one of the league’s weaker units in 2022 (28th in yards allowed, 26th in points allowed and 30th in sacks).
Nichols started 17 games and recorded a career-low 1.5 sacks. Las Vegas will want to free up room for a pass-rusher and likely release Nichols, reserving $3.1M in cap room — whether it’s before or after June 1.
Washington’s Daron Payne, 25, is a free agent and had a career year in 2022. In 17 games, he recorded 11.5 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl. His ability to create pressure is what the Raiders need. Payne’s market value is a five-year deal worth $19.4M annually, per Spotrac.
