Heading into the 2020 season, the Raiders are excited about their second-year defensive ends. Both Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby are projected to be the team’s every-down starters at defensive end. The Raiders also added veteran defensive end Carl Nassib, who has experience playing all across the defensive line with the Buccaneers.
However, there are currently two Pro Bowl defensive ends still on the free-agent market that could potentially take the Raiders’ defense to the next level; Jadeveon Clowney and Everson Griffen. While we know the Raiders have at least some level of interest in Clowney, it appears they aren’t willing to meet his price tag.
But what about Griffen? He is an older defensive end and likely would cost less to acquire than Clowney. But despite the lower price tag, Griffen has been the far more productive and consistent player over the last few seasons.
In a recent article by Chris Roling of Bleacher Report, Griffen was named the second-best free agent currently on the market. Here is what Roling had to say about the 32-year defensive end:
Last year alone, he put up 35 pressures and eight sacks, chalking up a 77.6 PFF grade along the way. Call it par for the course, as the 2010 fourth-round pick has missed meaningful games just once since becoming a full-time starter in 2014 and has posted at least eight sacks in a season six times since 2012, with highs of 12 and 13.
While the Raiders don’t have an immediate need at defensive end, Griffen is a player who could evaluate the defense in a big way. Not only is he one of the better pass-rushing defensive ends in the NFL, but he is a fantastic run defender, as well.
New defensive line coach Rod Marinelli believes in heavily rotating defensive linemen to keep them fresh for the second half. While the Raiders certainly want to “feature” Crosby and Ferrell, there certainly would be enough snaps to go around for Griffen if they were to sign him.
With training camp just a few days away, Griffen likely could be had at a bargain. The addition of a player his caliber would be greatly needed, especially considering their early-season schedule. Keep an eye on Griffen as he should pick a new team in the upcoming weeks.
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