As probably every last free agent is aware, the Las Vegas Raiders came into the 2026 season starting essentially from scratch. A new head coach and quarterback were all but guaranteed. Outside of Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, the roster was guaranteed nothing heading into 2026. However, with free agency, the team had a chance to change the trajectory of the team.
If the Raiders fail to make gains in 2026, it wasn’t for a lack of trying. However, even in a free agency rush that saw the team make more than 10 moves, the Raiders missed out on some monumental pieces that could have sped along its rebuild. Here’s a look at the five biggest omissions that could have changed everything.
5 Biggest Missing Free Agents From Raiders’ Haul
#5 – Rico Dowdle
The Raiders could have potentially had two 1,000-yard rushers, but instead lost the opportunity to sign free agent Rico Dowdle after he was added to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Dowdle is set to earn only about $6 million per season, per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, a price Las Vegas easily could have afforded. Now, the team will be forced to lean either on Connor Heyward or give up an NFL draft pick on a rookie.
#4 – Wan’Dale Robinson
Wan’Dale Robinson was heavily rumored to have interest in the Tennessee Titans well before he was added to the team’s roster. However, the 25-year-old 1,000-yard receiver was about as sure a bet as any receiver in the NFL this cycle.
Robinson’s addition could have saved Las Vegas a draft pick this year and for years to come.
#3 – Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce ultimately returned to the Indianapolis Colts, but the Las Vegas Raiders had a shot to lure him over.
Pierce has earned 1,827 yards and 13 touchdowns in his last two seasons. His addition could have gone a long way toward helping Fernando Mendoza or the team’s next rookie thrive.
Instead, the next quarterback will need to elevate a mix of Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech.
#2 – Trey Hendrickson
Imagine this scenario: the Raiders never attempted to move Maxx Crosby and instead signed Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson and Crosby on the same defensive line could have unlocked a defense that might have rivaled Denver’s top-rated pass rush overnight.
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By signing Hendrickson, Las Vegas also would have plucked Hendrickson out of Baltimore’s hands, which might have helped Las Vegas down the line.
#1 – Malik Willis
The free agency blitz is over, and the Raiders missed out on Malik Willis. In 11 games of action and three starts, Malik Willis never threw an interception. Willis completed 78.7% of his passes with the Green Bay Packers and threw for six touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Klint Kubiak is coming off a Super Bowl run in which he repurposed a backup quarterback. With Willis, Kubiak could have possibly done it again. Of course, Willis would have needed to compete with Fernando Mendoza in all logic, but adding Willis was the best opportunity available in free agency, whose absence could cost the team games in September.