Raiders Face Key Decisions as 28 Players Become Free Agents in 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders will see 28 players hit free agency when the NFL‘s new league year kicks off on March 12 at 1 p.m. PT. With 17 unrestricted free agents (UFAs), five restricted free agents (RFAs), and six exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs), the team faces crucial decisions that will shape their roster for the upcoming season and beyond. This mass turnover presents both opportunities and challenges as the Raiders navigate free agency.
Unrestricted Free Agents (17)
Unrestricted free agents are perhaps the most significant group in free agency. These players have four or more accrued seasons and are free to negotiate with any team, allowing them the opportunity to sign elsewhere if the Raiders don’t retain them. For the Raiders, several key contributors are set to become UFAs, including cornerback Nate Hobbs, linebacker Robert Spillane, and safety Marcus Epps. Hobbs has been a standout in the secondary, while Spillane and Epps played critical roles in strengthening the defense. The team will need to decide if retaining these players fits into their long-term vision or if they’ll allow them to explore the open market.
Other notable UFAs include tight end Ameer Abdullah, defensive lineman Adam Butler, and cornerback Darnay Holmes. Abdullah has been a reliable piece in the backfield, and Butler provided solid depth on the defensive line. The Raiders will also have to evaluate whether to bring back some of their younger players, like linebacker Malcolm Koonce and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., who have shown potential but may need more playing time to develop further.
Restricted Free Agents (5)
Restricted free agents are those who have three accrued seasons and an expired contract. These players can negotiate with other teams, but their original team has the opportunity to offer them a qualifying offer that may include a right of first refusal or draft-pick compensation. The Raiders have five RFAs this offseason, including linebacker Luke Masterson and defensive back Isaiah Pola-Mao, both of whom have shown promise in limited roles. Quarterback Desmond Ridder and wide receiver DJ Turner will also be key considerations for the Raiders as they look to maintain depth in these areas.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (6)
Exclusive rights free agents have fewer than three accrued seasons and are offered a one-year contract at the league minimum by their original team, making them unable to negotiate with other teams. The Raiders’ ERFAs include defensive lineman Matthew Butler and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, both of whom are still developing their skills. Linebacker Kana’i Mauga, offensive lineman Jordan Meredith, and defensive backs Charles Snowden and Sam Webb round out the group. The Raiders have more control over these players, but they still face the decision of whether to keep them on their roster or move in a different direction.
With so many key players up for grabs, the Raiders must carefully evaluate their options. Will they prioritize retaining veterans to maintain continuity, or will they take a more aggressive approach in reshaping their roster? As the team prepares for the 2025 season, free agency will be a defining moment in their rebuilding efforts.
