The 2020 Scouting Combine is over, and that means that it’s time to look ahead to the next event on the NFL calendar; free agency. With a ton of cap space and several holes on their roster, the Raiders are expected to be active in free agency once again.
Today, we are taking a look at three players the Raiders must sign in free agency if they truly want to contend in the AFC West next season. So without further ado, here are their top free-agent targets:
1. CB Byron Jones
One of the Raiders’ most significant needs this offseason is at cornerback. While rookie Trayvon Mullen played well in 2019, the team needs to add a quality, proven starter opposite him to improve their pass defense.
The top cornerback set to hit the free-agent market is Byron Jones, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys. Jones is a highly-athletic cornerback with experience at both cornerback and safety. While he might have taken a small step backward in 2019, he is an All-Pro level talent who is just starting to hit his prime.
Adding Jones to the roster would instantly improve all of the other secondary players around him as he can eliminate No. 1 receivers with his speed and length. Jones should be the Raiders’ top priority, and don’t be surprised if they can lure him to Las Vegas with his former coach Rod Marinelli now on the staff.
2. LB Joe Schobert
Arguably the biggest hole on the Raiders’ roster is at linebacker, where the team lacks a single quality starter. While it’s very likely the team addresses this need early in the 2020 NFL Draft, they would be wise to double-up on this position this offseason.
The best linebacker set to hit the open market is Joe Schobert of the Cleveland Browns. Schobert is a tackling machine, averaging nearly 13 tackles per game. But he isn’t just a tackling compiler, he’s also a playmaker, as well.
Over the last three seasons, Schobert has eight sacks, seven forced fumbles, and six interceptions. He’s widely regarded as one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, giving up less than 700 receiving yards over the last two seasons on 102 attempts.
Schobert is a Pro Bowl linebacker that would instantly improve the Raiders’ roster with speed and athleticism. Look for Schobert to be one of the team’s top targets in free agency.
3. QB Marcus Mariota
While the pipedream of the Raiders signing Tom Brady still exists, it certainly doesn’t seem likely. However, it’s no secret that Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock want to upgrade the backup quarterback position this offseason.
There will be several names floated at as possible backups, such as Teddy Bridgewater and Andy Dalton, the name that makes the most sense is Marcus Mariota. After being benched in favor of Ryan Tannehill this season, Mariota is expected to hit the free-agent market at just the age of 26.
Mariota likely wouldn’t push Carr out of a job, but it would give them a high-quality backup at a reasonably cheap price. Look for the Raiders to enter the bidding war for Mariota come the middle of the month.
