Next week, the 2025 league year will begin. That means players with expiring contracts will become free agents and can sign with other teams.

Once free agency gets underway on March 12, John Spytek and Pete Carroll's vision for the 2025 Las Vegas Raiders will begin to unfold.

Before free agency gets underway, let's take an closer look at five top free agents who could fit with the Raiders.

Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

This past year was a breakout season for Sam Darnold, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

He spent his first five NFL seasons starting for the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers, compiling a 21-34 record in that span. After a season as Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold signed to the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year contract. When Vikings' 2024 first-rounder JJ McCarthy went down with a season-ending injury in their preseason opener, Darnold was anointed the starter.

He made the most of the opportunity, setting career highs in completion percentage (66.2), passing yards (4,319) and passing touchdowns (35). He also led Minnesota to a 14-3 record and was an NFL Comeback Player of the Year finalist. As the Raiders continue to look for answers at the quarterback position, Darnold could seek his next opportunity to be a starting quarterback in Las Vegas.

Chris Godwin, Wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite coming off a dislocated ankle that caused him to miss 10 games, Godwin should still be considered a top player at his position entering free agency.

Before the injury, he was en route to having one of the best seasons of his career. In seven games, he was averaging 82.3 yards per game and scored five receiving touchdowns. He has made a name for himself as a perfect complementary piece to Mike Evans, as Godwin has accumulated 39 career touchdowns in eight seasons.

Godwin would be a logical option for the Raiders to look at for several reasons. After trading Davante Adams to the Jets last season, Godwin could fill the void and be a reliable target alongside All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Jakobi Meyers. It's also worth considering his relationship with General Manager John Spytek, who was the Buccaneers director of player personnel when Godwin was drafted in 2017.

Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

Williams is coming off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, accounting for two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the big game.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound tackle has only missed one game in his four seasons with the Eagles and has worked his way into the dominant defensive line rotation that sacked Patrick Mahomes six times in the Super Bowl. They also had the number one ranked defense in 2024 with Willams totaling five sacks and 24 tackles throughout the year.

The Raiders defensive line already has standout pieces with Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins and Tyree Wilson. Adding a 25-year-old Williams into the rotation could take the pass rush to an even higher level.

Tre'von Moehrig, Safety, Las Vegas Raiders

Keeping guys in the building can be equally as important as bringing new talent into the building. Keeping Tre’von Moehrig in the building could go a long way.

The 2021 second-rounder out of TCU has started 64 games for the Silver and Black, not missing a game over the last two seasons. In Patrick Graham's defense, he's steadily improved over the last three seasons, turning in his best season to date in 2024. His 64 solo tackles and 10 pass deflections were second-most on the team in both of those categories, while also chipping in two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and five tackles for loss.

His ability to excel in coverage and be physical in the box has made him one of the most versatile players on the defense. With Graham returning for a fourth season as defensive coordinator, Moehrig could continue to flourish and improve within a system that's already familiar.

Bobby Wagner, Linebacker, Washington Commanders

Bobby Wagner is set to hit free agency once again after signing a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders last season.

He set the tone as the defensive anchor for a young Commanders defense and helped guide the franchise to a 12-5 record and their first NFC Championship game appearance since 1991. At 34 years old, the linebacker led the team in total tackles (132) and was selected to his 10th career Pro Bowl.

The veteran linebacker signing with the Raiders would make a lot of sense. Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll was with the Seahawks when Wagner was drafted by them in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In Wagner's tenure in Seattle, he won Super Bowl XLVIII and earned six First-Team All-Pro selections. The Silver and Black could also be in the market for linebacking depth with Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo set to become unrestricted free agents.

Update: Wagner is reportedly re-signing with the Commanders, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.