BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
The Las Vegas Raiders moved to reinforce their offensive front on Tuesday by signing free-agent lineman Spencer Burford, a decision that adds experience and competition to a unit undergoing significant reconstruction following a difficult campaign.
Burford, 25, joins Las Vegas after spending the first four seasons of his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers. His familiarity with the Raiders’ new leadership played a role in the move, as head coach Klint Kubiak previously served on San Francisco’s staff during the 2023 season. That shared background is expected to help Burford adapt quickly to the Raiders’ evolving offensive system.
During his tenure in San Francisco, Burford started 38 regular-season games and made five additional postseason starts, logging most of his snaps at both right and left guard. While he has limited exposure at tackle, his versatility along the interior line provides the Raiders with valuable depth as they evaluate their best starting combinations ahead of the upcoming season. Team officials believe he will have an opportunity to compete directly with returning lineman Jordan Meredith for a prominent role.
The signing is part of a broader strategy by the Raiders to address persistent weaknesses in pass protection and run blocking that plagued the team last year. Early in the free-agency period, the club made headlines by securing All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum on a lucrative three-year contract reportedly worth $81 million, setting a new benchmark for the position. The front office hopes that investment, combined with additional depth acquisitions, will stabilize an offensive line that struggled to establish consistency.
Health will also be a critical factor in the unit’s improvement. Veteran left tackle Kolton Miller is expected to return after injuries limited him to just a handful of appearances last season. Meanwhile, young lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, is widely viewed as the leading candidate to secure one of the starting guard positions. Additional competition is anticipated at right tackle, where players such as D.J. Glaze and rookie prospect Charles Grant are expected to vie for snaps.
The Raiders’ urgency to rebuild the offensive line stems from stark statistical struggles in the previous campaign. The team surrendered a league-high 64 sacks and ranked last in the NFL in rushing production, averaging only 77.5 yards per game and 3.57 yards per attempt. Those shortcomings contributed to a disappointing season that ultimately led to sweeping changes across the coaching staff.
Former head coach Pete Carroll was dismissed after just one year at the helm, prompting a significant organizational reset. Under Kubiak’s leadership, the Raiders have revamped their offensive philosophy and brought in veteran assistant Rick Dennison to oversee the offensive line. The hope is that a combination of new coaching methods and upgraded personnel will translate into improved performance in both pass protection and ground attack.
Burford’s career trajectory has included both promising stretches and challenges. He opened his rookie season in 2022 as a full-time starter, appearing in all 16 games for San Francisco. However, he later lost his starting role during the postseason amid performance inconsistencies. One high-profile missed assignment in overtime of the championship game that season drew scrutiny, as the 49ers fell just short in a dramatic loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
He regained a starting position last season after injuries reshaped the 49ers’ lineup, though advanced metrics suggested uneven results in pass protection. Evaluators nonetheless believe his physicality and experience in high-pressure situations could make him a valuable addition to a Raiders squad seeking greater toughness and resilience in the trenches.
In a separate roster development, the Raiders confirmed that restricted free-agent defensive lineman Thomas Booker IV has signed his one-year tender, ensuring his return to the defensive rotation. Booker appeared in all 17 games last season, starting 13, and contributed 44 tackles, seven quarterback hits and multiple impact plays, including a forced fumble and several pass breakups.
Las Vegas acquired Booker during training camp in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending cornerback Jakorian Bennett the other way. His steady production helped solidify the defensive front, providing the coaching staff with another dependable option as the team continues to reshape its roster.
As the Raiders move deeper into the offseason, the focus remains squarely on constructing a more balanced and competitive lineup. The addition of Burford represents another calculated step in that process, reflecting the organization’s determination to correct past deficiencies and position itself for a stronger showing in the season ahead.
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