The Las Vegas Raiders 2022 campaign did not go to plan. Heading into the season expectations were sky-high. But instead, this team struggled. In the end, they finished with a 6-11 record and in third place in the AFC West.
Now heading into the offseason, this team could be set to undergo several major changes. Things have already begun when they chose to hire Josh McDaniels to become their new head coach.
But they are now in line to make several other moves. Longtime quarterback Derek Carr may very well be on the way out, and this team will now have to find a new starter. The Raiders also have the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which could also drastically impact any moves they make.
Along with any of these decisions, they will also need to figure out how they will approach free agency. This team has several high-profile players set to hit the open market. But they can't afford to let some of them walk away.
Here are four players the Raiders must re-sign in the offseason.
Jarrett Stidham, QB
With the Raiders unsure of who will be their starting quarterback heading into next season, it would make sense to bring back a familiar face. This would come in the re-signing of backup quarterback Jarrett Stidhman.
Following the Raiders benching of longtime quarterback Derek Carr, Stidham earned the starting nod. In his two starts to the end season, he played well. He threw for 584 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions over this stretch. On the ground, he added 84 rushing yards on 14 total carries.
With Stidham back in the locker room, the Raiders would have a quarterback who already knows the playbook and can run the offense. Even if he only serves as a backup, he could be a crucial player within the unit.
Denzel Perryman, LB
Over the two seasons that he has spent with the Raiders, linebacker Denzel Perryman has been the driving force of the defense.
Through 27 total games with the Raiders, Perryman has recorded 237 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and one total sack. He also recorded five defended passes, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
With Perryman in the mix, the Raiders have an established veteran on the defense. He has proven that he can lead the group, and is still playing at a high level.
The Raiders defense is currently headlined by several young playmakers. Bringing Perryman could be critical to both their short-term and long-term success.
Mack Hollins, WR
With the arrival of star wide receiver Davante Adams, the Raiders pass-catching dynamic changed drastically. In addition, both Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller struggled to stay on the field. And when they did play, they didn't find success as they did in the past. But in their place, other pass catchers excelled. This includes Mack Hollins.
Hollins took the field in all 17 games for the Raiders this season. He was targeted early and often and carved out a solid role through the air. He finished the year recording 57 receptions for 690 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns on 94 total targets.
In his lone season with the Raiders, Hollins proved that he is a playmaker who can stretch the field. If the Raiders are looking to add a veteran quarterback to their offense, keeping playmakers such as Hollins on the roster will be necessary.
With rumors of both Waller and Renfrow potentially being targeted in trades, bringing Hollins back would also give this offense a familiar face. He already knows the offense and has done more than enough to earn a spot for next season.
Josh Jacobs, RB
For much of the 2022 campaign, Raiders running back Josh Jacobs looked to be the best in the NFL. He found success both on the ground and through the air. And more importantly, he was consistent, posting a strong stat line nearly every week.
Over 17 games, he rushed for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns on 340 total carries. Through the air, he added 53 receptions for 400 receiving yards. In total, Jacobs finished the season with 2,053 yards from scrimmage, the most in the NFL. He was also the league leader in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, and total touches.
In the final season of his contract, Jacobs also happened to put together the best season of his NFL career. And he is now set to earn a massive contract to show for it. Even though he will demand a high price, the Raiders should look to bring him back.
With Jacobs back on the offense, the Raiders could have potentially the best WR-RB duo in the NFL. Both he and Adams have proven to be effective, and with both of them on the offense, this group will remain competitive.
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