ESPN lists several top 50 free agents as best fits for Raiders
Don’t look now, but free agency is just a few weeks away. The Raiders will go in with the most money available to spend. Nearly $100 million could acquire many key assets to help them rebuild quickly and kick off the Klint Kubiak era in Las Vegas.
To get everyone’s wheels spinning, ESPN’s Matt Bowen released his list of the league’s top 50 upcoming free agents along with the team that would be the best fit for their services. As you would expect – with so many needs and so much money to spend – the Raiders were deemed a good fit for several players on the roster.
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16. CB Jaylen Watson
September 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, United States; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) takes the field before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Watson, who had 64 tackles with the Chiefs in 2025, is versatile, and the Raiders could land one of the top corners in free agency with this move to improve the perimeter of their defense. He has the length to challenge in the press and the route awareness to play up and down the ball in zone.
My opinion: The Raiders’ first priority should be re-signing their own CB Eric Stokes. But even if they do, adding another one would be wise because there’s a lot of uncertainty overall about where the Raiders stand. Darien Porter may have a bright future, but they can’t pin their hopes there. They must protect their interests and secure the outside cornerback position.
21. WR Romeo Doubs
September 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, United States; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates in the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory credit: Jérôme Miron-Imagn Images
The Raiders can add new coach Klint Kubiak to their wide receiver space by signing Doubs. His ability to discover and work high-traffic areas of the field would be ideal for expected top pick Fernando Mendoza. A reliable pass receiver, Doubs made 55 receptions for 724 yards with the Packers in 2025.
My opinion: Receiver is one of the Raiders’ weakest positions. Last season’s rookies didn’t show much, leaving only Tre Tucker as the guaranteed starter. If the Raiders have the opportunity to add a receiver like Doubs, they should explore it. And it would be something of a homecoming for the Los Angeles native and UNR product.
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33. G Zion Johnson
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 10: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass while guarded by Zion Johnson #77 during a 27-17 victory against the Tennessee Titans #of the Tennessee Titans at SoFi Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Raiders can improve their offensive line with Johnson. He would play left guard in Klint Kubiak’s system, utilizing his mobility in the zone game. Additionally, Johnson’s youth and durability suit the rebuild in Las Vegas. He’s just entering his prime playing years, with a 90.7% completion rate in his four-year career with the Chargers.
My opinion: Dylan Parham played left guard last season for the Raiders. He is also headed to free agency. He’s essentially been a replacement-level guard during his career and former 17th overall pick Zion Johnson appears to be an upgrade. Solid movement.
While Bowen viewed third free agent center Tyler Lindenbaum as the top choice for the Giants, he mentioned the Raiders as a team to “keep an eye on.”
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Top Free Agents for Raiders Among Top 50 According to ESPN
