The Las Vegas Raiders have been a competitive team over the past couple of seasons. The offense has been good enough to compete with just about anyone. However, the defense has been a liability, to say the least. They need to make moves in NFL Free Agency, and clearing some of the Raiders salary cap space could help them be more competitive in the player market.
With them continuing to miss too often in the draft, free agency may be the best bet for the Raiders to improve. That is why it is important for them to clear salary cap space, since they must out-bid other teams for top talents. Nobody will openly volunteer to play in the AFC West for cheap, unless it’s with the Kansas City Chiefs.
With that in mind, these are three veterans who could end up as Raiders salary cap casualties ahead of NFL Free Agency.
Possible Raiders Salary Cap Cuts Before NFL Free Agency
Trent Brown, OT
Trent Brown has played 10+ snaps in just 14 games over the past two seasons. Considering the Raiders could save a whopping $14 million by cutting him, it’s certainly something to consider. There’s no doubt that he’s solid when he’s healthy, but who knows when that will be. Brown is obviously also a trade candidate.
Marcus Mariota, QB
Again, Marcus Mariota could be traded after playing well in limited snaps last season. However, he is due nearly $11 million this season, which is too much to pay a backup, considering the Raiders salary cap situation. None of it is guaranteed, so it would clear plenty of room.
Richie Incognito, OG
Richie Incognito is not getting any younger. He will be 38 before the season begins, and he is due $5.5 million, with none of it being guaranteed. With him coming off surgery, it could be a wise move for the Raiders to part ways and clear that cap space.
Raiders Salary Cap Space
The big frustration around the NFL right now is that we still do not have an exact answer about what the salary cap will be this season. This announcement is likely coming soon, but this is the reason why many teams are waiting to make their cuts.
If the salary cap is set at $185 million, Las Vegas will need to make some moves. The Raiders cap space would be projected at -$2,243,180, per Spotrac. This ranks 23rd in the league and third in the division.
