Despite the Raiders constantly telling everyone they’re reeeaaally close to being a contender, in reality, they need a lot of help. Especially on defense. They hope a change at defensive coordinator will be a step in the right direction, but Gus Bradley will need some talent if his schemes are to succeed.
The first place we could see a talent influx is free agency. That is, of course, if they can make some cuts and trades to clear up some cap room first.
ESPN put together a list of the best fits for the top 50 pending free agents. Three of them were called fits for the Raiders. One is already in-house, and the others are recent Pro Bowl defenders.
31. Patrick Peterson, CB
“The Raiders need leadership in the secondary in the worst way. Peterson turns 31 in July and has made $94 million, so maybe team fit and contention will be most important to him. Also watch for Tampa, where Peterson’s former coaches Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles are coming off a Super Bowl appearance.”
42. Nelson Agholor, WR
“Agholor turned a minimum one-year deal into an explosive 2020 campaign with 48 catches, 896 yards and eight touchdowns with the Raiders. Las Vegas should keep its own and reward a resurgent player. The Raiders had a top-10 offense with Darren Waller and Agholor as top options, and keeping Agholor helps Henry Ruggs III develop into a focal point without the pressure of having to carry the passing game. Agholor would fit the Jets’ new attack, as well. They will evaluate him.”
44. Melvin Ingram III, EDGE
“Ingram played four seasons for new Raiders coordinator Gus Bradley, racking up 24.5 sacks from 2017 to 2019 before injuries and a mini-holdout derailed his 2020 season. Clelin Ferrell hasn’t proved a consistent pass-rusher yet, so while he works that out in Year 3, give Ingram a big one-year payout to win on third downs.”
Keeping Agholor and adding two defenders of the caliber of Peterson and Ingram would certainly go a long way to helping this team compete for a playoff spot.
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