Free agency will be pivotal, as the Raiders are projected to hold the second-most cap space in the league this offseason, per Over the Cap. Among the marquee linemen hitting the market is Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, a player who could anchor Las Vegas’ interior if he changes teams.
PFF’s 2025 grading shows Linderbaum at 80.2 overall, with a 63.4 pass-blocking mark (22nd among 40 eligible centers) and an 83.7 run-blocking grade (fourth among centers). Those numbers underscore his value as a versatile center who could bolster both facets of the Raiders’ trenches.
Former Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy has been vocal about pursuing Linderbaum, saying he would “throw a bag of money at Tyler Linderbaum” and would be willing to offer a lucrative deal to bring him to Las Vegas, while acknowledging there are other viable targets as well.
Coaching moves could be as consequential as signings. Reports have linked Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to Las Vegas, and The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen suggested Kubiak could bring OL coach John Benton with him, potentially granting Benton the OC title and a substantial salary to help shape the offense and the line play.
Reggie Kinlaw, a former Raiders lineman, weighed in on Kubiak’s potential hire, calling it a move that fits a new era and noting Mendoza could benefit from a coach who can adapt to a more pass-focused attack.
Taken together, Las Vegas is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to stabilize the trenches: strategic coaching hires, bold free-agent targets like Linderbaum, and consideration of Mendoza’s impact in the 2026 draft. The goal is a stronger offensive line that supports both the running game and the passing game in 2026.
