CBS

● By Josh Edwards
The Las Vegas Raiders have cobbled together a leadership group consisting of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to usher the franchise into what they hope is a prosperous era. Derek Carr is entering the final year of his contract, so the Raiders theoretically have a quarterback this season unless McDaniels has a different vision. Coming off a 10-7 season overshadowed by heartbreak and controversy, Las Vegas finds itself with roughly $21.4 million in salary cap space, according to Spotrac.com, which is middle of the road. There are not any obvious cost-cutting measures to take and losing any of the impending free agents (quarterback Marcus Mariota, wide receivers Zay Jones and DeSean Jackson, offensive linemen Richie Incognito and Brandon Parker, cornerback Casey Hayward Jr., and defensive linemen Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas) would not set the team back. Kolton Miller and Maxx Crosby were the only offensive and defensive linemen, respectively, who played well in 2021. Both units could benefit from a total overhaul but that is not feasible in one offseason with the assets at their disposal. It would not come as a surprise to see them retain either Jefferson or Thomas to avoid total desperation. Hayward played well and should be retained for depth, if nothing else.