The Oakland Raiders are set to become the Las Vegas Raiders, and Mike Mayock believes there are benefits that come with the relocation. As the general manager of the Raiders, Mayock believes the “buzz” about Las Vegas will attract free agents.
Over the last decade or so, Oakland hasn't been a desired destination for impending free agents. But with the team moving to Las Vegas, their fortunes in free agency could take a turn for the best.
First and foremost, there is no income tax in Las Vegas. Therefore, players will become intrigued at the idea of earning all of the money on their contracts and not having to pay any of it to taxes.
The Raiders head into the offseason with plenty of holes to fill on the roster. Luckily for them, they are projected to have $62.6 million in cap space in 2020, per Spotrac. That is more than enough money to lure free agents to the Raiders next season.
At the same time, it will be up to Mayock to draft well for the second straight season. In his first year as GM, Mayock was able to draft the likes of Josh Jacobs, Johnathan Abram, Clelin Ferrell, and Maxx Crosby.
Among them, Ferrell disappointed and Abram suffered a season-ending injury. Despite that, the Raiders can chalk up the 2019 draft class as a success thus far.
Now, it will be up to Mayock and the Raiders to work their magic in free agency. At the least, the aspects of living in Sin City are enticing to free agents moving forward.