Raiders Free Agency primer

There are two big dates in the off-season which NFL fans look forward to the most - Free Agency and the draft. The first of those starts today. In this article I hope to give you all the information you need to head into free agency prepared.

What: 2013 NFL Free Agency (start of new league year)

When: Tuesday March 12, 1:00pm Pacific Standard Time

More: Raiders Free Agency 2013

Raiders free agents: OT Khalif Barnes, DT, Desmond Bryant, OG Cooper Carlisle, DE Andre Carter, LB Omar Gaither, FS Matt Giordano, RB Mike Goodson, WR Derek Hagan, CB Joselio Hanson, P Shane Lechler, QB Matt Leinart, SS Mike Mitchell, TE Brandon Myers, DT Richard Seymour, DE Matt Shaughnessy, CB Shawntae Spencer, LB Philip Wheeler, (RFA) CB Phillip Adams

More: Complete list of Raiders 2013 Free Agents

Top priorities to re-sign: LB Philip Wheeler, DT Desmond Bryant.

Others team could look to bring back: RB Mike Goodson, CB Joselio Hanson, SS Mike Mitchell, TE Brandon Myers, DE Matt Shaughnessy, CB Phillip Adams

Raiders team needs: DT, CB, LB, OT, TE, DE, RB

More: Cornerback I Middle Linebacker I Defensive Line I Tight End I Offensive Line

Current money under salary cap: $8.5 million

Raiders on the chopping block with amount saved against 2013 cap if cut: LB Rolando McClain ($1.2 million), DT Tommy Kelly ($8 million), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey ($5.4 million or $8 million if cut after June 1st)

Still need more? Then head over to the Raiders Free Agency 2013 story hub