The 2025 NFL season has been a trainwreck for the Las Vegas Raiders. With a bottom-five record, an embarrassing 0-fer against the AFC West, and a slew of offseason investments that have flopped harder than a bad sitcom, there’s little to cheer about in Sin City. Yet, amidst this gridiron apocalypse, the Raiders’ front office is apparently ready to double down on hope, armed with the second-most salary cap space in the NFL for the next two years, according to Over the Cap. With all that financial flexibility, they’re eyeing extensions for three players who, against all odds, have shown they might just be worth keeping around. Let’s meet the trio who’ve somehow convinced the suits they deserve a new deal.
1. Eric Stokes, CB
Eric Stokes rolled into Las Vegas on a one-year, prove-it deal, and boy, has he proven it. The cornerback is having a career year, making opposing quarterbacks think twice before throwing his way. In six games, he’s been targeted a measly 20 times, allowing just nine catches for 103 yards, no touchdowns, and a stingy 61.0 passer rating when targeted. Stokes has also broken up three passes, racked up 15 tackles (one for a loss), and missed just one tackle all season. At 26 years old, he’s looking like a long-term, high-end No. 2 cornerback at worst. A 2-3 year deal at around $10 million annually could lock him up before he gets too expensive. In a season where not much has gone right, Stokes is a rare bright spot.
2. Jamal Adams, LB
Another prove-it deal, another player making the front office look smart—for once. Jamal Adams, now 30, has been a revelation despite playing just under half of the Raiders’ defensive snaps. As the team’s best coverage linebacker, he’s also a menace against the run and as a pass-rusher. Through seven games, Adams has notched 21 tackles, two for a loss, 1.0 sacks, and two quarterback hits. His versatility is a lifeline for a defense that’s been bleeding out all season. A two-year deal in the $5-6 million per year range feels like a steal for what he brings to the table, even if his age means the clock is ticking.
3. Tre Tucker, WR
Call this one a preemptive strike. Tre Tucker isn’t a free agent until 2027, but the Raiders would be wise to lock him up now before his price tag skyrockets. The young wide receiver has taken a massive leap in 2025, cementing himself as a legitimate No. 2 option in the passing game. Leading the team with 29 catches, 389 yards, and four touchdowns, Tucker is proving he’s more than just a depth piece. Getting ahead of the curve with a three-year deal in the $12-15 million per year range could save the Raiders from a Jakobi Meyers-esque contract headache down the road. Plus, there’s a good chance Tucker outplays that deal, making it a savvy move for a team desperate for wins—on and off the field.
The Big Picture
The Raiders’ 2025 season may be circling the drain, but with ample cap space and a few diamonds in the rough, there’s a glimmer of hope for the future. Extending Stokes, Adams, and Tucker could be the first step toward building a roster that doesn’t make fans want to pull their hair out. The front office’s job now is to pair these smart personnel moves with equally sharp financial decisions. If they can pull that off, maybe—just maybe—the Raiders can climb out of this apocalypse and into a brighter tomorrow. For now, though, these three extensions are the closest thing to a silver lining in a season that’s been anything but silver and black.