The Las Vegas Raiders are positioned to make significant moves in free agency, holding over $100 million in salary cap space and confronting multiple areas of need across their roster. While the team will address some gaps through their 10 draft selections, they also intend to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately, focusing on strengthening both offense and defense as they prepare for the next season.
Supporting rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a key priority, requiring improvements along the offensive line and wide receiver corps. On the defensive side, the Raiders aim to enhance all three levels of their defense, with particular attention on the defensive line, which will be crucial depending on Maxx Crosby’s future with the team. Whether Crosby stays or is traded, adding quality pass rushers remains a top objective.
Cameron Jordan Emerges as a Veteran Option to Complement or Replace Koonce
Las Vegas faced challenges with their pass rush in 2025, relying heavily on Crosby, who garnered 10.0 sacks despite frequent double teams and missing the last two games. Malcolm Koonce, the team’s second-leading sack producer, ended the season with 4.5 sacks. Although Koonce showed progress in the latter part of the year and is expected to improve further as he recovers from a torn ACL, the Raiders are exploring upgrades opposite Crosby to solidify their defensive front.
Veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints, entering free agency for the first time in his career, presents an opportunity for the Raiders. Jordan has a connection to the Raiders’ coaching staff, as defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Joe Woods was the Saints’ defensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024, potentially smoothing Jordan’s transition.
Jordan’s Experience and Recent Performance Could Make Him Valuable for Las Vegas
Turning 37 this July, Jordan remains an effective edge rusher despite his age. In 2025, he recorded 10.5 sacks while participating in just over half of the Saints’ defensive snaps (53.6%). His limited playing time appears to have helped preserve his effectiveness, leading to his best season since 2021. Jordan’s advanced metrics also highlight his skill, with a 76.0 grade from Pro Football Focus ranking him 24th among 115 edge rushers.
Financially, Jordan’s market value is estimated at a one-year deal worth $6.8 million, making him an affordable veteran presence. The Raiders see potential in Jordan not as a long-term cornerstone but as a situational pass rusher and experienced leader, able to mentor younger players and elevate the team’s immediate defensive capabilities.
Short-Term Upgrade Could Benefit Raiders While Grooming Young Talent
Although Malcolm Koonce is likely to improve in 2026, his production so far has not matched his anticipated contract value of two years at $19.8 million. Adding Jordan offers the Raiders a reliable short-term boost in pass rushing without derailing the development of a promising young edge rusher expected in the upcoming draft.
Las Vegas is committed to building a younger roster aligned with Mendoza’s timeline, but acquiring seasoned players like Jordan can help instill a winning culture and provide crucial leadership as the team develops around its new core. This balance of youth and experience could prove essential in advancing the Raiders’ competitive prospects in the near future.
Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has spent his 15-year career in New Orleans and had 10.5 sacks last season, will not have a new deal in place with New Orleans by next week and now will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, per sources. Jordan will play… pic.twitter.com/r5Q9sfk3am
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026
