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The Las Vegas Raiders reached the postseason for only the second time in the last 20 years in 2021. They ultimately fell victim to the eventual AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
In order for the Raiders to make another run at the playoffs, it would help to earn some home playoff games. They play in the AFC West, alongside two of the best quarterbacks in football in Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. So, winning the division is very difficult as its currently constructed.
Even the Denver Broncos have a solid roster and are one of the possible destinations for Aaron Rodgers if he leaves Green Bay.
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If the Raiders are going to take the next step as a franchise, there are some serious issues they need to be addressed. Some of which are easier to accomplish than others.
Here are my four bold predictions for the Raiders 2022 NFL offseason.
4 Bold Raiders Offseason Predictions
4. RAIDERS KEEP MOST OF D-LINE IN TACT
As the season progressed, Las Vegas' rush defense got better and better. They even finally slowed down Joe Mixon in their playoff loss. But defensive tackles Gerald McCoy, Johnathan Hankins, Darius Philon and Quinton Jefferson are all slated to be unrestricted free agents this offseason.
The NFL has become more of a pass-heavy league. But the ability to run the ball is still extremely important, especially in the playoffs. The Raiders front four was a crucial part of the defense's turnaround in 2021.
For insight on the best destinations for the NFL's top 20 free agents, listen below:
I believe Las Vegas will re-sign at least two of the four players listed above. McCoy is the biggest name, but is also the oldest among them. He might be the odd man out, as Las Vegas will look to stay young up front.
3. RAIDERS SIGN T.Y. HILTON
Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr found his primary weapon in 2021, that being Hunter Renfrow. But it is very clear that this offense needs an over-the-top threat.
Wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Zay Jones are both slated to be free agents and unlikely to return to Las Vegas. Jackson in a limited capacity showed he can still stretch the field. With him out of the fold, the Raiders will look to fill that need.
Hilton is coming off another injury-plagued season. That should help drive down his asking price considerably. Hilton is 33 years old and not the player he once was. But another aspect to his game that the Raiders never got with Jackson was his leadership.
This TY Hilton speech before the Cardinals game
(via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/ZHiWodWXvK
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 30, 2021
Hilton is a leader in the locker room and on the field. Derek Carr would be an upgrade for him running deep routes. He could potentially have a re-birth in Las Vegas next season.
2. LAS VEGAS RE-SIGNS CASEY HAYWARD
This might be the most important thing the Raiders do this offseason. After a subpar 2020 with the Los Angeles Chargers, Hayward returned to form last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Hayward returned a grade of 76.0 last season. That is among league leaders excluding the All-Pro corners.
In the AFC West, the Raiders defense has to deal with passing games from Kansas City and Los Angeles. Both Mahomes and Herbert are elite. For any team to stand a chance against them, you need a cornerback that can line up against Tyreek Hill or Keenan Allen.
Granted, the Raiders probably need a new scheme against Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kansas City destroyed Las Vegas in both meetings in 2021. So, it might make some sense to double Hill the majority of snaps and drop Hayward on the second receiver.
Nevertheless, Hayward's presence is essential for the success of the Raiders in the AFC West.
1. RAIDERS DRAFT THREE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Arguably the biggest need for Las Vegas is the offensive line. Former Pro Bowl right guard Richie Incognito is set to become a free agent and is 38 years old. He is also very pricey. For those reasons, the Raiders might be even weaker on the offensive line than they were when the season ended.
There are quite a few elite offensive lineman that will be free agents this offseason. Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Nick Jensen and Washington Commanders guard Brandon Scherff are two of them. But they would be very costly to sign. Scherff alone has garnered over $45 million over the last three seasons.
The Raiders are currently approximately $40 million under the salary cap, but only have 35 players signed to the active roster. So that number is a bit misleading.
It would make sense for Las Vegas to build their line through the draft.
