Much like the defensive end position, the Raiders have a massive need at linebacker heading into the 2019 season. Oakland will have two ways to fix their problem; free agency and the NFL Draft. Throughout the next several months, we will take a look at several draft prospects who could help them next season.
Today, we are looking at four players who are scheduled to hit free agency that could pique the interest of the Raiders. Of the four names listed below, a few will require big-time contracts while another could be had for cheap. Without further ado, let’s take a look at four players who could solve the Raiders’ linebacker woes in 2019.
Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay
Atop of the list for the Raiders should be Tampa Bay’s, Kwon Alexander. At just 24 years old, Alexander hasn’t even reached his prime yet. Despite a down season in 2018 in which he tore his ACL, Alexander is expected to be one of the highest-paid linebackers on the market.
He even despite his injury this season, Alexander has played 2,106 total snaps in the past three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Since entering the NFL in 2015, Alexander has recorded 297 tackles, 22 pass deflections, seven sacks, and six interceptions. When he is healthy, he is one of the best playmakers at the position.
Considering the Raiders’ cap space and the lack of depth at the position in the 2019 NFL Draft, Oakland should look to Alexander in free agency. Alexander may demand close to $10 million per season, but it’s hard to argue against that when you see his production. Expect Oakland to keep an eye on the former LSU linebacker in free agency.
Jordan Hicks, Philadelphia
One of the best-kept secrets in the NFL is just how good Jordan Hicks has been over the last three seasons. But not everyone has overlooked Hicks. According to Pro Football Focus, Hicks is the best free agent linebacker available on the market after posting a season grade of 80.7 in 2018:
In 12 games, Hicks tallied 91 total tackles, five pass deflections and five tackles for a loss. Hicks has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, but the belief is that he is an ascending player that would fit any defense. Hicks isn’t as athletic as someone like Kwon Alexander, but he may be the better, more consistent player. Consider Hicks to be one of the top two or three linebackers on the market.
Anthony Barr, Minnesota
Vikings’ linebacker Anthony Barr is one of the biggest “names” on the free agent market. The former first-round pick has already had quite the career in Minnesota, making the Pro Bowl four times in five seasons. However, despite his accolades, his play hasn’t always lived up to the hype.
Like Jordan Hicks, Barr is an ascending player who is seemingly still learning the linebacker position. If the Raiders were to sign a player like Carr, expect defensive coordinator Paul Guenther to find creative ways to use Barr and his skill set. Barr’s best fit is as a strong-side linebacker who can rush the passer and blitz from anywhere on the field. Of the four linebackers listed, he may be the most talented
Deone Bucanon, Arizona
Of the four players listed, Arizona Cardinals’ linebacker Deone Bucanon is expected to sign the cheapest contract. One of the reasons why is that Bucannon’s play has severely declined over the past four seasons. Recently, Pro Football Focus listed Bucannon as a “buyer beware” ahead of free agency as he has struggled in the run game, as of late.
However, as the Raiders continue their rebuild, they would be wise to “buy low” on players with elite talent, such as Bucannon. We have seen him play at a Pro Bowl level before and it wouldn’t be a shock if a change of scenery is what turns Bucannon’s career around. Expect Bucannon to sign a short deal to “prove” to the league that he is still one of the best linebackers in the game.
