Why Eric Stokes Is Vital to the Raiders' Offseason Plans

The Las Vegas Raiders will have the worst collection of cornerbacks in the National Football League if they let veteran cornerback Eric Stokes walk in free agency.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If the Las Vegas Raiders hope to turn things around quickly, selecting the right head coach and quarterback undoubtedly goes a long way. However, even after the expected arrivals of Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders will need more roster help to have a shot at contention.

Dangerously Low

Las Vegas needs multiple cornerbacks. Their need for cornerbacks is arguably just as pressing of a need as their need for a quarterback. Assuming the Raiders land Kubiak and Mendoza, cornerback will be one of their top issues to address this offseason.

The Raiders will need to add several cornerbacks this offseason in the draft and free agency. However, reaching an agreement with cornerback Eric Stokes would make the Raiders' search much easier for the front office. Las Vegas can build its group of corners around the veteran.

Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs to make a catch during the first half against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

If Stokes leaves, the Raiders' group of corners is officially the worst in the league. It would make little sense for the Raiders to let Stokes walk, only to pay another cornerback or rely solely on young corners next season. The Raiders should be okay slightly overpaying Stokes if it comes down to it.

Then, they could find another cornerback or two at affordable costs in free agency and still add another corner or two in the draft. This would give the Raiders a solid mix of established and rising young talent at cornerback. Keeping Stokes would help the Raiders immensely.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Raiders General Manager John Spytek was faced with a set of similar decisions last season upon his arrival. Las Vegas had two veteran linebackers who signed elsewhere. One signed for a price the Raiders could have easily matched. He went on to have a solid season.

The other linebacker signed for way more money than it would have made sense for the Raiders to pay, considering the roster they had and currently have. Still, that linebacker will start in the Super Bowl for the New England Patriots.

Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) celebrates during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“We don't want to let good players leave our building. That's happened around here. I was in charge last year when a couple good players left the building. And it's one of the things I learned, you got to keep our good players here,” Spytek said. 

“You look around the league, there's some former Raiders that are playing good football somewhere. And I got to do a better job in that world."

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek reacts during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Assuming another team in the league does not offer Stokes an over-the-top contract the Raiders cannot match, Stokes gives Spytek a chance to show he learned from some of the mistakes made last offseason.

There is no guarantee that Stokes will work out, regardless of which team signs him. However, given how bad the Raiders' group of cornerbacks is, they would be foolish not do all they can to bring him back. Then, Las Vegas could use the rest of free agency to potentially find additional cornerbacks.

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