This page lists all the 2026 NFL Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
For updates follow me @walterfootball
🏈 2026 NFL Free Agent Signing Grades by Team (Synced 3.23.26)
- Total Signings: 9
- Average Grade: C (76.1)
March 2026 – Signings
Raiders sign G Spencer Burford (1 year): B+ Grade
signed on 3/17/2026
The Raiders had the worst offenive line one professional handicapper has ever seen. They improved the interior by signing Tyler Linderbaum, but they still had a lot of work to do to protect Fernando Mendoza. Thus, any cheap offensive line signing should be welcomed.
Spencer Burford is usually a backup, but he started nine games for the 49ers last season. He wasn’t particularly good, but it could be argued that he was still better than what the Raiders had last year. At the very least, he’ll provide needed depth.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders sign FB/TE Connor Heyward (2 years, $5.5 million): B+ Grade
signed on 3/12/2026
Ashton Jeanty had a negative yards-before-contact average last year. This means, that on average, he had to dodge defenders in the backfield. The Raiders obviously had to do something about this besides count on Kolton Miller staying healthy. They signed Tyler Linderbaum, but had to do much more.
Enter, Connor Heyward, who will play fullback in Klint Kubiak’s offense. Heyward isn’t the most amazing blocker, but he’s solid in that regard, so he’ll help create some running lanes for Jeanty. If this signing helps contribute turning Jeanty’s yards-before-carry average to a positive, then it’ll have been worth it.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders re-sign DE Malcolm Koonce (1 year, $11 million): B+ Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
A 1-year “prove it” deal is perfect for Malcolm Koonce. The Raider edge rusher was explosive in 2023 with eight sacks, but missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL. He struggled in 2025, but now that he’s two years removed from injury, there’s a decent chance he’ll rebound. If not, then the Raiders aren’t risking all too much because this is just a 1-year deal.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders sign LB Quay Walker (3 years, $40.5 million): C Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
I called the Raiders’ offseason a mixed bag in the previous signing grade. A perfect example of that is how they’ve handled their linebacker signings. Nakobe Dean has a chance to be a special player in Las Vegas if he can rebound from injury. Conversely, I’m not nearly as optimistic about Quay Walker.
Walker had a very promising start to his career, but he has gotten worse every year. He struggled a lot this season, so it’s hard for me to see him breaking his downward trajectory. Then again, the Raiders were able to revive the career of another former Packer bust (Eric Stokes), so maybe Walker will be able to rebound in his new home.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders sign LB Nakobe Dean (3 years, $36 million): A- Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
The Raiders have had a mixed bag so far this week. They’ve made some poor decisions, but they’ve also made good choices. This signing appears to fit the latter category.
Nakobe Dean didn’t play up to this contract last year, but he was coming off an injury and wasn’t himself. I believe there’s a good chance he’ll rebound to pre-2025 form. At just 25, Dean has a great possibility of doing so, and if he does, the Raiders will be getting a stellar upgrade at linebacker.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders sign DE Kwity Paye (3 years, $48 million): B Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
I’m not sure if Raider fans have heard this, but the Raiders botched the Maxx Crosby trade. Regardless, they needed at least two pass rushers to replace what Crosby provided for them, so here’s one.
Based on Kwity Paye’s production, this is an overpay. Paye had four sacks last year, so $16 million per season seems absurd. However, Paye played much better than that number indicates. He was able to generate lots of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so I’m confident his sack total will rise in Las Vegas.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders sign WR Jalen Nailor (3 years, $35 million): KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN MILLENS Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
I wrote this in my NFL Free Agent Rankings back in January: “Jalen Nailor had a big game down the stretch that could cause him to receive a larger contract than what he’s worth.” Well, there’s a sucker born every day, and the Raiders are one of the NFL’s biggest suckers. They were one of the top candidates to overpay for Nailor.
Nailor is just a No. 3 receiver at best, and I’m not even sure if he’s a No. 3 receiver. Giving him $35 million is laughable. What an absurd signing.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders sign C Tyler Linderbaum (3 years, $81 million): A Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
The Raiders botched the Maxx Crosby trade, but they began making up for it with this incredible signing. Raiders fans are used to seeing me criticize their team, but this is an “A” grade signing.
A professional bettor of 35 years said on our nightly show that the Raiders had the worst offensive line he had ever seen last season. Center was the biggest position of weakness on that offensive line, so the Raiders did well to secure one of the top players at the position to provide an enormous upgrade. This is a huge signing because Linderbaum will be a huge boost for Fernando Mendoza’s development.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Raiders re-sign CB Eric Stokes (3 years, $30 million): B Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
This isn’t the first early-round bust who received a big contract after having his best year with a new team. We saw it with Ed Ingram re-signing with the Texans, and now we have it with Eric Stokes re-signing with the Packers.
Stokes was a mega bust in Green Bay, but had his best year, by far, with the Raiders. Stokes was excellent, so I can understand this $30 million contract. However, there’s a chance this was all a mirage, so I’m not too excited about this deal.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
