Why Raiders' Offensive Line Must Take Shape in 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders are building their offensive line ahead of the season.

Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive line coach Rick Dennison during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Las Vegas Raiders' offensive line must improve significantly before the team even thinks about being in the postseason.

The Raiders have had one of the worst offensive lines in the league over the last few seasons, whether due to injuries or to players not adapting to the scheme. No matter the case, the level of play has been inexcusable.

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (92) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

That's why legendary offensive line coach Rick Dennison was hired to join Klint Kubiak's staff. Dennison is a multiple-time Super Bowl-winning coach, and Kubiak just helped the Seattle Seahawks win a title because of how efficiently they ran the football.

How the Offensive Line Is Constructed

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

General Manager John Spytek took a major swing during free agency, signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. The Raiders hope Linderbaum's elite play can stabilize the interior.

The team also gets Kolton Miller back healthy after he missed most of the 2025 season due to injury. The Raiders allowed more than 60 sacks and couldn't run the ball to the left side in his absence.

Kolton Miller | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Miller and Linderbaum are the only Raiders with guaranteed starting spots on this offensive line. Right tackle DJ Glaze is penciled in as the starter as of now, but competition always pops up, so we won't know until Week 1.

Next Up?

Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) gets set in his stance before the snap during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Las Vegas has two intriguing second-year players in Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant, who both played sparingly in their rookie seasons. Rogers is fighting for a starting role, while Grant could also see more action in 2026.

Rookie Challenger

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Third-round rookie Trey Zuhn III has been impressive in the preseason, and he is challenging for a starting spot. Zuhn played center and tackle at Texas A&M, but he is most likely to play guard for the Raiders.

These players are the most intriguing offensive linemen on the team, and they will most likely make up the starting lineup. Others have the chance to be swing tackles and provide quality depth.

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Outside of Miller and Linderbaum, the Raiders' offensive line is full of unknowns. Kubiak, Dennison, and the Raiders' entire offensive staff have work to do to determine who will play the most.

The rest of the offense depends on it. The Raiders are beginning a new era under Kubiak and a revamped offense that shows a lot of promise. The trenches must be improved.