Silver Mining: Raiders’ salary cap spending is equaling out

The financial equality of the Las Vegas Raiders has changed dramatically this offseason.

After the Raiders traded three high-priced offensive linemen — right tackle Trent Brown, right guard Gabe Jackson and center Rodney Hudson (who still has a lot of dead money) — and signed six defensive free agents, the gap has shrunk in the money being spent on offseason and defense in the big picture.

According to OvertheCap.com (via the Associated Press), the Raiders are currently 15th in the NFL in offensive salary cap spending and 17th on defense. After signing big ticket pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, the Raiders have the fifth-most amount of salary cap committed to pass rushers. The were 18th in 2020.

The Raiders have been spending more money on offense. Now, the defense is catching up.

It is another reason why this unit must improve dramatically. The Raiders are using their cap room and have used many top draft picks on that side of the ball. It’s time we see improvements.

In other Raiders links:

• Moving around: Here is a breakdown of the different spots Darren Waller lined up at in 2020.
• Not ideal: The San Jose Mercury News looks at how the Raiders’ brass would feel about another virtual offseason.
• Pass-rushers possibilities: The Athletic looks at pass rushers the Raiders may consider in the draft.
• Big year for Maxx? Bleacher Report thinks Raiders’ pass-rusher is in for a big 2021.