· 2026-07-13

The Las Vegas Raiders enter 2026 with a glaring need to protect their quarterback after the offensive line allowed a league-high 64 sacks in 2025.
The Raiders ranked 14th in the American Football Conference with a 3-14 record last season, and the offensive line’s struggles were a major factor. The unit allowed 64 sacks in 2025, the most in the NFL, and the problem extends beyond just the numbers. Quarterback protection is now the top priority for new head coach Klint Kubiak, who has a track record of improving offensive line play from his time with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks.
The Raiders made key offseason moves to address the line, including signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a market-resetting deal that made him the highest-paid center in NFL history. The expectation is that Linderbaum will anchor the line after the position was a major weakness in 2025. Left tackle Kolton Miller returns healthy after missing most of last season with an injury, providing stability on the blind side. Right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson moves into his second straight season at the same spot after splitting time between guard and center as a rookie in 2024. Free-agent signing Spencer Burford steps in at left guard, bringing experience from his time under Kubiak in San Francisco. Right tackle DJ Glaze enters the season as the unit’s biggest question mark after two underwhelming campaigns.
Linderbaum’s arrival is the headline move. The All-Pro center replaces a revolving door at the position and should stabilize the interior for years. Miller’s return is nearly as important—his presence at left tackle was sorely missed in 2025. Powers-Johnson’s development under Kubiak’s scheme could determine how quickly the line improves. Burford brings familiarity with the zone-blocking system from his time in San Francisco, while Glaze faces pressure to prove he belongs in the starting lineup.
The Raiders open the 2026 season on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins, and the offensive line’s performance will dictate the team’s fortunes. Kubiak’s history suggests progress is possible, but the margin for error is slim. If the line doesn’t improve, the Raiders’ offense will struggle to keep up in the competitive AFC West. The team’s 3-14 record last season masked deeper issues, and the offensive line’s struggles were at the top of the list. The next game against Miami will be the first real test of whether the changes have made a difference.