The Las Vegas Raiders are headed into the 2026 off-season with a projected 96.8 million in cap space which can get up to 115 million with rollover cap space. They’ll rank either 2nd or 3rd in the NFL in terms of overall cap space, but in a weaker free agency class they’ll likely have to target more mid tier free agents then any top of the market guys though some notable aspects exists headlined by Colts receiver Alec Pierce. Despite their cap space, the Raiders will have notable factors to consider this off-season to either save more space or potentially find some extensions.
QB Geno Smith:
The Raiders acquired Smith for a 2025 third rounder and signed him to a 2 year, 75 million extension less than a year ago. On the 3rd day of the league year in 2026, Smith will have 8.5 million of his 18.5 million in 2026 guaranteed making him have 0 free cap space if released. If a pre June 1st release, the Raiders would take on 18.5 million in dead cap space but also free 8 million in cap space. The Raiders will need a veteran quarterback to backup and mentor first overall selection Fernando Mendoza but with the ties Smith has to Pete Carroll it’s hard to see him remaining in Las Vegas going forward into 2026 and beyond.
G Alex Cappa
Signed by the Raiders last March, Cappa inked a 2 year, 11 million contract. Cappa posted 538 snaps this season allowing 5 sacks and 23 pressures but did spend time as the Raiders starting center from weeks 12-18. While Cappa struggled immensely to start the season and is not the same player he was with the Buccaneers, he does provide a possible depth option in 2026 for the Raiders at both center and guard. The Raiders are full of young talent on their offensive line, and Cappa has no realm to start but the Raiders could value his experience and veteran leadership along with track record. If released, the Raiders take on 1 million in dead cap and save 5 million.
SAF Isaiah Pola-Mao
Signed to a 2 year, 7.45 million contract Pola-Mao holds a 4.8 million cap hit in 2026 and at 27 years old Pola-Mao may have the ability to stay on the roster or the Raiders could look elsewhere. If released, he’ll carry a dead cap hit of just 750,000 and a free cap space of 4.1 million. Pola-Mao logged 1081 snaps in 2025 allowing 27 receptions for 365 yards, five touchdowns, and a 115.1 QBR. Additionally he did add 2 interceptions and 5 PBU while also missing 21 tackles which was the most among NFL safeties. At 6’4, 205 Pola-Mao does have the size and athleticism to be a traditional safety but he’s struggled in coverage and likely needs to take a depth role or a nickel linebacker position similar to what he was utilized as in 2022 and 2023 prior to transitioning to full time deep safety in 2024. The Raiders may move on to utilize the cap space for another depth option, though Pola-Mao’s experience does provide a boost for his chance to stay on the roster.
The following players could be released but a more likely situation of them being traded is what I would bank on.
QB Aidan O’Connell
While unlikely, it’s possible O’Connell could be released this off-season as the team looks to revamp their quarterback room. O’Connell is headed into his 4th season and at 28 years old likely will have no path towards starting or being the backup option for Las Vegas. O’Connell carries a 3.73 million cap hit and if released will save the team 3.6 million in cap space. O’Connell’s release or a potential and more likely trade, wouldn’t be out of cap saving purposes but instead would be a viable option to open a roster spot, add draft capital, and create an entirely new quarterback room. it’s possible O’Connell could have some looks as a quarterback option in a trade as he’s a career 62%, 3932 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions along with starting 17 career games.
IDL Adam Butler
Listed in order of most to least likely, it’s hard to see a world Adam Butler isn’t with the Raiders in 2026 even after a down season in 2025. The Raiders signed the now 31 year old defensive tackle to a 3 year, 16 million contract extension after a 2024 season which saw Butler post 65 tackles, 8 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 PBU, a forced fumble, 11 QB hits, 31 pressures, and 32 stops while ranking top 25 in pass rush and run stop win rate at defensive tackle. Like most of the roster, Butler saw a dip in production in 2025 despite playing 684 snaps. The veteran logged just 50 tackles, 3 TFL, 5 hits, a sack, and a fumble recovery while also posting 23 stops, 19 pressures, and a 6.9% pass rush win rate. As a standard release, Butler would only save the Raiders 2.1 million in cap space but can be designated as a post 6/1 release for 3.2 million in free cap space. It’s unlikely that Butler will be released and his 6.5 million cap hit is not a huge burden for the roster. Butler’s release, or potential trade, would more have to do with the Raiders wanting to get younger on the defensive line instead of targeting veteran options.
T Kolton Miller
Let me start with this, no I don’t think Miller will be released or traded but I do think there’s a realistic world where he could end up getting traded as the Raiders try to rebuild and move forward. Miller suffered a season ending injury in 2023 and then another one early in 2025. The now 30 year old tackle has struggled with injuries throughout his career but recently has started to suffer season ending ones. Miller has been a foundation for the Raiders offensive line and signed an extension this off-season worth 54 million over three seasons. Miller is under contract for three more seasons with a cap hit of 22.5 in 2026 and 20.3 million 2027 and 2028. As a pre 6/1 trade in 2026 the Raiders would take on 7.5 million in dead cap hit for 2026 and free 15 million in cap space along with 15.2 million in 2027 and 17.7 million in 2028. The Raiders likely shouldn’t move on from Miller and his value will be near an all time low with injuries. Instead the Raiders should retain Miller, continue to build around him as the core of the offensive line and if they are looking to shop him do so in 2027.
EDGE Maxx Crosby
The one Raiders fans don’t want to hear about, lucky for you I have already wrote about his market and a possible trade here:
See More:
