My favorite free-agent additions

Posted by Admin May 19, 2026 NFL

The Las Vegas Raiders had a busy NFL free agency, adding several players

I’m going to list my favorite additions NOT NAMED TYLER LINDERBAUM. Clearly, the huge-money center is the Las Vegas Raiders’ big free-agent prize. But there are some other nice additions as well.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean:

I had my eye on Dean as a potential impact free agent for months before he was signed. He was an underrated player on a defenses full of big names. He is the Raiders’ best linebacker addition in many, many moons. The only worry here is he has a significant injury history dating back to college. Other than that, there’s a lot to love about this signing.

Linebacker Quay Walker:

I don’t love the Walker addition as much as I do the Dean signing. But he is definitely an upgrade and he is a quality player. He is a extremely sound tackler and we all know the Raiders could use a dose of better tackling. But there are some flaws in his prime, including in coverage that offenses can exploit. But, overall, he should help the Raiders’ defense.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins:

Look, the whole idea is for Cousins not to have to play for very long. But he is a perfect addition for this team. He can play on a temporary basis and provide solid experience while/if Fernando Mendoza starts the season on the bench. Also, you could do worse than Cousins as a backup when Mendoza does take over.

Wide receiver Dareke Young:

Like the Cousins deal, I like the addition for Young for what it is — a solid depth piece. He played for new Raiders’ head coach Klint Kubiak in Seattle. While he is mostly a special teamer (a very good one at that), Kubiak does believe Young as a wide receiver. I just think this guy helps lengthen the roster and that vital in building a quality roster.

Who are your favorite Non-Linderbaum free-agent additions this offseason?