The Las Vegas Raiders are about to enter one of their most important offseasons in recent memory. A new coaching staff and front office have been installed, and now new general manager Dave Zeigler has the chance to improve a roster that scraped its way into the postseason in 2021.

In recent years, the Raiders haven't had all that much success in free agency. If they're able to turn that around this offseason, Las Vegas should be able to stay competitive in one of the toughest divisions in the entire NFL. Part of turning things around is staying away from bad free agent fits, which the Raiders absolutely must do to continue to build their roster.

Here are two free agents the Raiders must avoid signing this offseason.

2 Free Agents The Raiders Must Avoid Signing

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2. Stephon Gilmore

The Raiders have a tendency to lean towards big, splashy acquisitions. They also have a tendency, at least in past years, to sign veterans who don't fit the team-building stage that they're in. Gilmore fits both of those descriptions.

While Las Vegas does have a need at cornerback, this would be a huge mistake for a bevy of reasons. Gilmore only appeared in eight games last season while playing 59% of possible snaps in those games. His injury problems have placed his status as a top cornerback in question, but he'll still likely demand a monster contract. The Raiders just don't have the cap space to make that happen.

It doesn't help that Gilmore will nearly be 32 by the time the regular season rolls around. Cornerback is one of the most physically demanding positions on the field, so it's rare to find a corner who ages gracefully. Las Vegas is likely a couple of seasons away from any sort of serious contention, which would align with Gilmore hitting the mid-thirties age marker. Sinking money into an aging cornerback who is likely past his prime doesn't make any sense, especially for a team that isn't even close to playing for a Super Bowl.

1. Larry Ogunjobi

The Raiders certainly need help on the defensive line, but that help shouldn't come in the form of Ogunjobi.

Coming off the best season of his career, Ogunjobi notched seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2021. Both of those were career-highs, which is a sure sign that whoever signs Ogunjobi will be forced to overpay for him. Free agents who are coming off career campaigns are often drastically overpriced. Again, Vegas doesn't have much cap space to work with. Sinking a big chunk of it into a player who could be a one-hit wonder would be a massive mistake.

Ogunjobi's skill set isn't what the Raiders should be looking for. He's a great pass-rusher, but his run defense is a weakness. Las Vegas was one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last season, so they will be looking to improve that aspect of their defense first. Ogunjobi just isn't a great fit here.

There are several other defensive linemen who would be better signings for the Raiders. DJ Jones of the San Francisco 49ers would be a great acquisition. Jones has endless potential, and Vegas would likely get him at a cheap price. He's also only 27. Foley Fatukasi, the former New York Jet, would be another strong signing. Fatukasi has proven himself as a great run defender with adequate pass-rush skills, which is exactly what the Raiders need.