Report: The Las Vegas Raiders Are Spending Responsibly

Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco has spent money wisely this summer, getting the best bang for the Raiders' bucks.

The Las Vegas Raiders have many roster holes that they will have to fix between now and the season. General Manager Tom Telesco has spent money, but he has spent it wisely.

According to the numbers, the Raiders' spending so far has been reasonable. 

SportingNews’ Mike Moraitis says the Raiders rank in the middle of the National Football League in terms of total contract money handed out between free agency and extensions this offseason.

“When it comes to spending during the 2024 NFL offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders rank right in the middle of the pack among their peers,” Moraitis wrote.

Moraitis noted that most of the Raiders' spending this offseason came from a single move: the signing of defensive lineman Christian Wilkins. Still, even with the money they handed Wilkins, the Raiders didn’t overpay for him and are still in an excellent financial position to add additional players later this offseason.

“The Raiders have dished out $170.8 million in total value of contracts between free-agent signings and extensions, according to Spotrac,” Moraitis wrote. “That is the 15th-highest total in the NFL. Of course, a hefty chunk of that went to defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who netted a massive four-year, $110 million deal to seriously bolster Las Vegas' group up front."

The Raiders paid a fair price for Wilkins and resigned an essential part of their offense for a fair price. Bringing back center Andre James was a win for the team, especially Aidan O’Connell. The fact that they got James at such a fair price shows just how good of a job Telesco is doing. 

“The Raiders also spent a decent buck on center Andre James," Moraitis wrote, "who commanded a very reasonable three-year, $24 million extension to keep him off the open market. Even with what they've spent so far, the Raiders still have funds to work with. Also, per Spotrac, Las Vegas is sitting with $25.2 million in top-51 cap space, which ranks as the ninth-most in the league.

“It should be noted, though, that figure does not include the money needed to sign Las Vegas' upcoming draft class. Over the Cap projects the Raiders' group to cost about $4.5 million in 2024 cap space, which, when factored in, leaves Las Vegas with around $20.7 million.”

As the Raiders continue to rebuild what was a poorly built roster, they will have to continue to spend wisely in free agency if they hope to dig out of the hole the previous coaching regime left behind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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