Report: Raiders' Free Agency Haul Graded

The Las Vegas Raiders have quietly had productive free agency so far, as CBS Sports grades the team's most recent additions this offseason.

The Las Vegas Raiders and General Manager Tom Telesco hit the ground running in free agency by signing defensive lineman Christian Wilkins to a massive contract to help boost the Raiders' interior defensive line. 

Wilkins was one of the top free agents available, and the Raiders secured the veteran as soon as possible. 

Adding Wilkins to a defensive line that was already developing into one of the better units in the National Football League took a giant step forward with that signing. 

The Raiders didn't make many similar moves, such as the Wilkins signing. However, the moves they made were significant nonetheless. The Raiders

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports gives the Raiders an overall B on their free agency moves.

"The Raiders have finally found a pass-rush partner for Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby in former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins," Podell said. 

"He was one of six defensive tackles to register at least nine sacks last season, joining Pro Bowler Justin Madubike (13.0), All-Pro Chris Jones (10.5), Zach Sieler (10.0), Ed Oliver (9.5), and Kobie Turner (9.0).

The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the best signings of any team in the offseason in Christian Wilkins :: JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Raiders didn't make many similar moves, but the signings they made were significant nonetheless. 

The Raiders brought back veteran center Andre James and veteran running back Ameer Abdullah. Both moves might not seem like a big deal, but they are substantial for this Raiders team. 

"Bringing back [Andre] James was also smart. The 26-year-old graded out as Pro Football Focus' ninth-best center, among those with at least 100 snaps, in the entire league with a 76.3 offensive grade," Podell said. "Las Vegas is clearly starting over at quarterback, and it doesn't like they have their long-term option in the building at the moment."

The Raiders made such a big splash with the Wilkins signing that they might not need to make another bold move, but that doesn't mean they aren't trying. They can now make quiet but efficient moves to improve their team and focus on drafting the right players in the NFL Draft to bolster the roster.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.