The Raiders will have plenty of money to spend this offseason. That’s been the case for several years now, after general manager Reggie McKenzie got the Raiders right with the salary cap.
They have just under $43 million available, according to a public report published Thursday by the NFL Players Association.
The NFL announced on Wednesday that next season’s salary cap is set at $167 million, another solid increase over last season.
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The Raiders will carry $8 million over from last season. Money left unused from the previous year can be added to this year’s cap number, and the Raiders elected to do that.
Having significant salary cap space doesn’t mean the Raiders will go bananas in free agency. McKenzie hopes to complete a contract extension for quarterback Derek Carr in the near future, and budget for Khalil Mack’s big pay day a bit farther down the road.
McKenzie prefers to reward his own players, and will have an opportunity to do so in coming seasons following several productive drafts.
There are needs that could be addressed in free agency, possibly at interior linebacker, cornerback, running back and right tackle.
