A strategic roster move by the front office

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the offseason in a state of flux, parting ways with head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco after a tumultuous 2024 campaign. However, as the team approaches the NFL free agency period, stability is beginning to take shape under new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.

Their latest move was locking down one of their key defensive playmakers before he could hit the open market.

Adam Butler stays put

Just before the NFL‘s legal tampering period began, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Raiders had re-signed veteran defensive tackle Adam Butler to a three-year, $16.5 million deal, with $11 million in guaranteed money.

Since joining the Raiders in 2023, Butler has become a critical piece of their defensive front. Over two seasons in Las Vegas, he has compiled 10.0 sacks, 93 total tackles (16 tackles for loss) and six passes defended.

Butler had a career-best season in 2024, proving to be a consistent disruptor in the trenches. Despite turning 31 before the start of the 2025 season, he has shown no signs of slowing down, performing at a high level under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard-both of whom were retained by Carroll for the upcoming season.

With several teams in need of defensive line help, Butler could have been a high-value free agent target, making it a smart move for the Raiders to secure him on a manageable contract before free agency opened.

A strategic roster move

With John Spytek stepping in as general manager, the Raiders are taking a calculated approach to roster management, prioritizing key contributors while staying financially responsible.

Re-signing Butler comes after the team extended star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and added offensive lineman Alex Cappa, signaling a commitment to building a balanced and competitive roster.

Butler‘s presence will be essential for a Raiders defense that showed promise in 2024 but still has room for improvement. By securing his return, Las Vegas maintains continuity along the defensive line, ensuring that Carroll and Graham have the pieces necessary to develop a formidable unit.

The signing also reflects the Raiders‘ long-term vision-one that prioritizes core talent while avoiding risky overpays in free agency. Butler‘s contract structure allows flexibility, ensuring the team can continue making key acquisitions without overcommitting financially.