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Las Vegas Raiders mock free agency: Byron Jones on the way?

By Sayre Bedinger

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 22: Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 22: Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders, Mike Mayock
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 25: General Manager Mike Mayock of the Las Vegas Raiders interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to be a very active team on the 2020 free agent market. How will they use their cap space to get this team playoff ready?

The Las Vegas Raiders are going to be a fascinating team to watch in the 2020 offseason.

Not only is the team relocating from Oakland to Sin City, but they also have two first-round picks and currently over $51 million in cap space to work with.

Although the Raiders made a really unpopular decision a couple of years ago to trade outside linebacker/pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears for a king’s ransom of draft selections, they have set their team up to really be ready to compete in 2020 with a strong free agency period and a couple more impact draft choices.

How will the Raiders use over $51 million in 2020 salary cap space?

We’re going to explore some options.

So what are the Raiders’ top needs right now? In no particular order, they need to look into upgrades or find new starters at:

  • Cornerback
  • Linebacker
  • Wide receiver
  • Interior defensive line
  • Quarterback

The Raiders have been a rumored potential landing spot for Tom Brady, and the marriage between Brady and Jon Gruden would be must-see-TV, but I think Brady is either staying in New England or signing with the Titans at this point.

Las Vegas will be a desirable spot for prospective free agents for multiple reasons.

First and foremost, the Raiders are moving to a new, exciting city with no state income tax. That can’t be overstated as an asset for the Raiders as it’s constantly been advantageous for Florida teams over the years, and though the cost of living in Nevada is high, not having an income tax on a massive free agent contract will be attractive to some of the best guys on the market.

Regardless of what fans think of Gruden, I think players love him and he’s a guy many NFL players want to play for. Gruden has always been a fiery player’s coach, and between he and Mike Mayock, it would be hard to say no to playing for the Raiders.

The Raiders have a new stadium, a new city, money to spend, and despite some uncertainty (from the outside looking in, at least) at the quarterback position with Derek Carr constantly rumored to be on the bubble, this will be a place many top free agents consider.

Seven of the top 10 contracts for the Raiders right now are players who were not drafted by the team. This is a team that likes to spend in free agency.

Here’s a mock free agency period to help the Raiders get into the playoffs in 2020.

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