When all is said and done, the Oakland Raiders will have around $50 million in salary cap space this offseason. But it's important to remember that having money and being able to spend it are two entirely different things. The Raiders have struck out on many of their top free agent targets in recent seasons due to the organization's instability and poor on-field results. The only reason last year's foray into the open market wasn't a complete bust is because Michael Crabtree far outperformed the deal he got.
This year, things may be different. The Raiders made important strides in this year's 7-9 campaign, with quarterback Derek Carr and linebacker Khalil Mack emerging as the team's two biggest breakout players along with wide receiver Amari Cooper. The talented young corps may attract other free agents, but first, the Raiders should devote some resources to extending key members of their nucleus.
"At about $41 million under the league's spending minimum, which is 89 percent of the salary cap, the Raiders will have to become relative big spenders this offseason," ESPN's Paul Gutierrez wrote. "Taking care of their own by extending quarterback Derek Carr and Khalil Mack, who as All Pro at two positions, as well as re-upping looming unrestricted free-agent punter Marquette King, would be a start."
Carr improved in almost every single statistical category this year, completing 61.1 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,987 yards, 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While his play dipped during the second half of the season (just a 74.4 passer rating over the final eight games), he showed enough to convince the Raiders that he can develop into a franchise QB sometime in the near future. Mack may already be one of the marquee defensive players in the league. He finished second behind Houston's J.J Watt in sacks this year with 15.0 while also adding 77 tackles and two forced fumbles.
After just two seasons it may be a little early to start thinking about extensions for both players. However, the Raiders have not enjoyed a winning season in more than a decade. Locking up arguably their two best players for the long-term is not a bad idea for a franchise that has been down and out for so long.
