Raiders' Free-Agent Flops: A Decade of Missteps

0:00From NFL coverage, this is your March 3rd update. The Las Vegas Raiders have struggled with free agent signings over the past decade, racking up several high-profile busts. Players like Chandler Jones, Christian Wilkins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Amari Cooper all flamed out quickly, while Coach Josh McDaniels left the lasting. Mess. These moves cost the team big money and set back their progress on the field. Chandler Jones signed to mentor Ricky Tyree Wilson, but got derailed by off-field problems, never playing another snap for the Raiders. Jimmy Garoppolo came in on a three-year deal, worth more than $60 million, but injuries and turnovers taint the offense. He even led the league and interceptions early that season. Fans and analysts pointed these flops as signs of deeper issues, like poor planning and instability. The Raiders went through seven quarterbacks since 2023 and started seasons poorly, finishing six and eleven the year before Garoppolo.

1:00It forced young talent like Wilson into action too soon, hurting development. More recently, Christian Wilkins landed a four-year contract, over $100 million, but played just five games with a foot injury before A. Locker Room incident and contract dispute led to his exit. A Mari Cooper lasted less than 14 days after signing in 2025. Josh McDaniel's oversaw many of these failures during his short stint, shaping a roster around a broken offense that still haunts the team years later. The Raiders keep cycling through coaches and general managers, trying to recover from the damage. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, so L-L-L-I, soleypillow.com.