The newest Raiders are signed to their new deals with the team. As is often the case, first wave free agents immediately become some of the highest paid players at their position. Such is the way when they are in a position where several teams are bidding for their services. So, where does Las Vegas’s newest players rank with those are their given position? Let’s take a look
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Tyler Linderbaum #64 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Per year average: $27 million*
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Position rank: 1
Arguably the top free agent on the market at any position gets the richest deal in history at his position. A full $9 million per season better than the previous highest contract which belongs to Chiefs C Creed Humphrey at $18 million per season.
LB Quay Walker: Signed by Las Vegas Raiders (previous team: Green Bay Packers)
Per year average: $13.5 million
Position rank: 8
Walker gets the only other contract whose per-season numbers land inside the top ten at his position. Pretty on par for the former first round pick and four-year starter who has never had a season with fewer than 100 tackles.
Nakobe Dean #17, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Per year average: $12 million
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Position rank: 12
Injuries are the only thing that kept Dean from being more highly sought after. If he can stay healthy the former Super Bowl starter is worth the contract he just signed.
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) looks on before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Per year average: $16 million
Position rank: 27
Hard to say if the Raiders would have made this deal had they not just trade Maxx Crosby to the Ravens. But even with the Ravens sending Crosby back, what’s done it done. The Raiders are clearly banking on Paye returning to the form he had in 2023-24 when he had at least eight sacks per season.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 14: Jalen Nailor #1 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in warmups prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Per year average: $11.7 million
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Position rank: 33
Another bet on upside for the Raiders. Nailor has never had even 500 yards receiving in a season as a pro. But he does have ten TDs that past two seasons and the Raiders were desperate to add a wide receiver, so a bit of an overpay was to be expected.
CB Eric Stokes (re-signed) — Three-year, $30 million deal
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 06: Kyu Blu Kelly #36 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with Eric Stokes #22 after intercepting a pass thrown by Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter in the game at Empower Field At Mile High on November 06, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
Per year average: $10 million
Position rank: 35
This is a great deal for the return of their top free agent and one of their top defenders last season.
DE Malcolm Koonce (re-signed) — One-year, $11 million deal
Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) reacts during the game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Per year average: $11 million
Position rank: 36
Again, hard to see them making this deal had they known Crosby was still going to be on the team. Between Crosby, Paye, and Koonce the Raiders have around $57 million in cap money sunk into the edge positions this season. Don’t see them doing that intentionally. But here we are.
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K Matt Gay — One-year, $1.6 million
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Matt Gay #16 celebrates with Tress Way #10 of the Washington Commanders after Gay kicked a field goal during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Per year average: $1.6 million
Position rank: 19
This barely registers on the radar in terms of salary. But he was a free agent signing.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders first wave free agent deals and position ranking
