The Las Vegas Raiders need help at all positions to improve a team that finished 3-14 during the 2025 NFL season. Free agency marks the first stage of the Silver and Black’s rebuild, and the secondary is an area that needs strengthening.
Las Vegas’ defense was a bright spot at times, and its passing defense wasn’t all that bad compared to other areas on the team. The Raiders were 10th in passing touchdowns allowed (23), 14th in passing yards allowed (3,417), and 17th in net yards gained per pass attempt (6.1), per Pro Football Reference. However, a significant issue was the Raiders’ lack of interceptions, which totaled only eight.
With free agency right around the corner, CBS Sports’ JP Acosta predicts that the Silver and Black add a cornerback to keep moving the passing defense in the right direction: Seattle Seahawks‘ Riq Woolen.
“I think Seattle’s going to try their hardest to keep him around,” Acosta said during a Jan. 14 appearance on CBS Sports HQ. “But I actually have the Las Vegas Raiders as the best fit. I think, given the Raiders’ inability to stop anybody through the air this season, Woolen would provide a lot of upside for the Raiders.”
Riq Woolen Could Be Looking to Become a CB1
Aside from Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ defense needs players who can make a difference, whether it’s up front or in the secondary. Woolen has the potential to be that, and Las Vegas will be hoping that, with the right coach, he can find his 2022 version, when he recorded six interceptions and 16 passes defended, per Pro Football Reference.
Nonetheless, Woolen finished this regular season strong despite his name being in the rumor mill in the first half of the campaign. As a result, he could be looking for a fresh start elsewhere this offseason.
“I think he’s played really well late in this season,” Acosta added. “His speed has sort of come up and really matched his eyes in coverage, and I think because he’s able to combine both of those really well.
“He’s played incredible to finish out this season. So, I think Seattle’s going to try and make a run to keep him, especially given their lack of depth at outside corner. But, I do think the Raiders might be the best fit if Woolen wants to be a true CB1.”
Raiders Could Double Dip With Seahawks Connections
Moreover, there’s the potential for another person from the Seahawks to come over to Las Vegas. During his Jan. 13 appearance on CBS Sports HQ, NFL writer Tyler Sullivan noted the perfect candidate for Las Vegas, since the Raiders will likely have a young QB in Fernando Mendoza who needs help developing at the pro level.
“[The Raiders] certainly want some stability because I think they’re paying like every head coach now,” Sullivan said. “It feels like in a prior contract, it just hasn’t worked out for them. So, it’s been an expensive endeavor, which is kind of why I don’t think they’re going to get one of those guys looking for a second [head coaching] gig, because it’s probably going to command a little bit more money.
“I think a guy like Klint Kubiak is someone who I find would be really interesting because, as much as we’re joking about the Raiders right now, I think that this is a really interesting job for somebody just like him who has an offensive mind, and this is somewhat close to a blank slate.”
Raiders Get Massive Free Agent Prediction to Help Maxx Crosby