who did the raiders sign in free agency
The Las Vegas Raiders have been very active, headlined by big-money deals for the trenches and defense, plus a few key role players on offense and special teams.
Below is a Quick Scoop style breakdown of who the Raiders have signed so far in 2026 free agency.
Who Did The Raiders Sign In Free Agency?
Headline Signings
- Tyler Linderbaum, C (from Ravens) – Signed as one of the top offensive linemen on the market, with the Raiders using major cap space to anchor the middle of their offensive line in front of a likely new franchise QB.
- Quay Walker, LB (from Packers) – Three-year, $40.5M deal with $28M guaranteed, addressing one of the biggest needs on the roster at linebacker.
- Kwity Paye, DE (from Colts) – Three-year, $48M deal with $32M guaranteed, brought in as a primary edge rusher after other top edge targets came off the board.
These three moves signal that the Raiders are paying premium prices to stabilize the offensive line and retool the front seven on defense.
Other Notable Free-Agent Signings
- Eric Stokes, CB (re-signing) – Returns to Las Vegas on a three-year, $30M deal with $20M guaranteed after a strong season that rebuilt his value.
- Jalen Nailor, WR (from Vikings) – Three-year, $35M deal with $23M guaranteed; a field-stretching receiver who posted 15.3 yards per catch in 2025.
- Matt Gay, K – One-year deal; brought in as a short-term replacement after the team decided to move on from longtime kicker Daniel Carlson.
From a roster-building perspective, these signings round out the secondary, add another weapon in the passing game, and patch special teams while preserving future flexibility at kicker.
Big Picture: Day 1–2 Haul
A popular roundup of Raiders moves describes their early free agency haul as including:
- Tyler Linderbaum (C)
- Eric Stokes (CB)
- Quay Walker (LB)
- Nakobe Dean (LB)
- Jalen Nailor (WR)
- Matt Gay (K)
- Kwity Paye (DE)
- Malcolm Koonce (ED, retained)
This is framed as a “legendary Day 1” by some Raiders-focused media, especially given the simultaneous blockbuster trades (Maxx Crosby out, Taron Johnson in) that reshaped the defense.
While not every contract detail is official in all reports, the pattern is clear: the Raiders are aggressively fortifying the spine of the team (OL, LB, edge, CB) and sprinkling in value on offense and special teams.
Mini Table: Key Free-Agent Signings
| Player | Position | Contract Notes | Role/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Linderbaum | C | Top- of-market deal; major cap investment. | [5][1]Elite pass protector to stabilize interior OL. | [1]
| Quay Walker | LB | 3 years, $40.5M, $28M guaranteed. | [1]Starting LB, fills one of the biggest defensive needs. | [1]
| Kwity Paye | DE | 3 years, $48M, $32M guaranteed. | [1]Primary edge rusher after other targets signed elsewhere. | [1]
| Eric Stokes | CB | 3 years, $30M, $20M guaranteed. | [1]Returns as a top outside corner after breakout season. | [1]
| Jalen Nailor | WR | 3 years, $35M, $23M guaranteed. | [1]Vertical threat; 15.3 yards per catch in 2025. | [1]
| Matt Gay | K | 1-year “bridge” deal. | [1]Short-term answer at kicker with draft still in play. | [1]
Forum / Fan Discussion Angle
On Raiders-focused channels, fans are reacting to this free agency class through a few main lenses:
-
Excitement about the trenches
Many are hyped that the team finally invested heavily at center and edge after years of patchwork moves. -
Mixed feelings on trading stars vs. depth
With moves like dealing Maxx Crosby and bringing in multiple defensive pieces plus Taron Johnson, some fans love the broader roster depth, while others hate losing a face-of-the-franchise player.
- Optimism tied to the next QB
Because these signings align with the expectation of a rookie franchise QB (like Fernando Mendoza being linked to them), the mood is cautiously optimistic: protect the QB, build a fast defense, and let the rest come together.
“It’s the first time in a while it actually feels like there’s a plan,” is a common sentiment in early fan chatter.
SEO Bits (Meta + TL;DR)
Meta description:
Who did the Raiders sign in free agency? A detailed look at the Las Vegas
Raiders’ 2026 free agency signings, including Tyler Linderbaum, Quay Walker,
Kwity Paye, Eric Stokes, Jalen Nailor, Matt Gay and more.
TL;DR:
The Raiders’ latest free agency splash includes big deals for Tyler
Linderbaum, Quay Walker and Kwity Paye, key returns like Eric Stokes, plus
role players Jalen Nailor and Matt Gay, signaling an aggressive roster reset
in 2026.
Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.