Before the offseason becomes about who the Raiders can add to the roster, it must be about who they keep. With a new coaching staff coming in, they won't feel all that tied to the players on the roster right now. But they have to know which players make or break this team as it's currently comprised.
In that spirit, I ranked the Raiders free agents by how valuable they are to re-sign.
CB Nate Hobbs
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 19: Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after defensive play during the second quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Priority: Very High
Hobbs is an outstanding slot corner. Both in coverage and as a tackler. Such players don't grow on trees. You hold onto players like him when you get the chance.
LB Robert Spillane
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Robert Spillane #41 and Isaiah Pola-Mao #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts to a personal foul against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Priority: Very High
Spillane is a tackling machine and one of the better middle linebackers out there. He also loves his Raiders teammates and would probably welcome a return. They should step up and hang onto him.
DT Adam Butler
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Priority: Somewhat High
They were lucky to get him back last year after he tested the market. They shouldn't mess around this time. He proved he is an every-down caliber interior defender and earned a multi-year deal and they'd be smart to give it to him.
DE Malcolm Koonce
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Joshua Dobbs #15 of the Minnesota Vikings throws under pressure from defensive end Malcolm Koonce #51 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Priority: Somewhat High
Many teams may have forgotten the holy terror he was over the stretch run of the 2023 season because he was lost to injury prior to this past season. That should be enough for Koonce to want to take a one-year deal to have a shot at hitting the market on a high note next year.
S Tre'von Moehrig
Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders free safety Trevon Moehrig (25) reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Priority: Somewhat High
The former top college safety and second round pick is coming off his best season. He has been a full time starter all four seasons and is the top safety on the Raiders roster. With all three of their safeties headed for free agency, they should probably try and keep the best of them or risk having to rebuild the group this offseason.
DE K'Lavon Chaisson
Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) carries the ball against Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Priority: Moderate
The former first round pick had a breakout season for the Raiders. Even though I named him their Comeback Player of the Year. His five sacks equaled his career total coming in. The Raiders got a find with him and it would be a shame to just let that find get away.
LB Divine Deablo
Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) reacts to a pass break up in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Priority: Moderate
The former college safety has become a decent starting outside for the Raiders. Could be a bit risky to let him go because there's no guarantee you'll find better and/or cheaper replacement.
S Marcus Epps
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 09: Marcus Epps #1 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after an interception during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Priority: Moderate
Epps was half of a pretty solid safety tandem along with Moehrig last season. He was lost in week three and the coaching staff liked Isaiah Pola-Mao enough I could see them letting Epps walk. Will the new staff feel similarly?
RB Ameer Abdullah
Priority: Low
The ten-year veteran showed his value as a triple threat -- running back, receiver, return specialist -- late in the season. He would likely be cheap to re-sign and is clearly still got it.
S Isaiah Pola-Mao (RFA)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Isaiah Pola-Mao #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after a sack during the second quarter in the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Priority: Low
An outstanding special teams player. You get a mixed bag on defense from Pola-Mao. He's a restricted free agent, which means it will be easy to retain him with a tender.
DT John Jenkins
Sep 10, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) celebrates following the win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Priority: Low
A 17-game starter and had his moments. But overall, it may be time for the Raiders to move on from the 36-year-old to their young core of defensive tackles.
Not a priority
CB Darnay Holmes (1 start)
RB Alexander Mattison
WR Terrace Marshall
TE Harrison Bryant
T Andrus Peat
G Cody Whitehair