Despite salary cap reduction, Raiders can spend

NFL salary cap cut nearly $16 million

The NFL informed teams on Wednesday that the 2021 salary cap will be $182.5 million, which is down nearly $16 million from 2020 because COVID-19 caused a drop in league revenue last year.

But because of rollovers from last year’s salary expenditures, the Raiders’ spending cap for 2021 is actually $190.2 million. The work they have done over the past week or so trimming salary from their books has left them in good position to be aggressive when free agency opens next week.

As it stands today, if the Raiders officially move on from right guard Gabe Jackson as expected, they have $33 million to spend under the cap, the seventh most in the NFL. That figures to change by $10.7 million, the money they owe backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, a strong candidate to either be traded or released.

The Raiders can also create an additional $12.5 million in cap space by trading or releasing cap casualty candidates Carl Nassib, Jalen Richard, Brandon Parker and Jeff Heath.

Jackson is officially still under contract at $9.3 million, but he has reportedly been informed he will be cut. The Raiders have declined comment on Jackson’s status, and there is still time to either trade or restructure Jackson’s contract.

The Raiders have significant needs defensively and are expected to be active in the free safety and defensive line markets. They also have to fill the holes created by the trade of right tackle Trent Brown, the release of left guard Richie Incognito and perhaps Jackson’s right guard spot.

Among their pending free agents, the Raiders are expected to prioritize guard Denzelle Good, wide receiver Nelson Agholor and linebacker Nicholas Morrow.