Heading into the 2018 season, the Raiders weren’t sure what to expect from their cornerback room. The team signed numerous free agents, including Leon Hall, Rashaan Melvin, Daryl Worley, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, etc. They were also returning second-year player Gareon Conley, who hardly played at all as a rookie.
Despite all of their additions to the defensive back room, hardly any of them panned out. Melvin wasn’t the same player in Oakland as he was in Indianapolis and Worley proved to be just a solid CB3. Rodgers-Cromartie retired halfway through the season and Hall dealt with a back injury all year long.
The only positive to take away from the 2019 season was that Gareon Conley developed into a star in the second half of the season. Most of the time, he was able to lock down his side, but opposing quarterbacks would target whatever cornerback was playing opposite of Conley.
This offseason, the Raiders have to address the “other” cornerback spot on the roster. If Oakland can find a viable CB2, then this defense could take a big step forward. Here are five cornerbacks the Raiders should consider signing in free agency to pair with Gareon Conley.
Jets CB Morris Claiborne, 29
One of the best valued free agents in this market could be Jets’ cornerback Morris Claiborne. The former No.6 overall pick from the 2012 NFL Draft has finally started to come into his own. Most importantly, Claiborne is shedding his injury-prone label as he has played 30 of 32 games over the past two seasons.
Claiborne never developed into a lockdown, No.1 cornerback type of player, but he has turned into a fantastic No.2 cornerback. Any deal in which he receives less than $10 million per season would be a steal for the Raiders.
Eagles CB Ronald Darby, 25
If the Raiders are willing to take a gamble in free agency, look no further than Ronald Darby of the Philadelphia Eagles. Darby was traded to the Eagles last season but tore his ACL during the 2018 season. Still just 25-years old, Darby is one of the league’s best cornerbacks when healthy. Since 2015, no player in the league has more pass deflections than Darby, according to Pro Football Focus.
If the Raiders are confident enough that Darby can return to full health, locking up the former Buffalo Bills cornerback could prove to be a steal longterm. In terms of pure ability, there may not be a better cornerback on the market than Darby.
Texans CB Kareem Jackson, 30
One thing we know about Jon Gruden is that he isn’t afraid to take a chance on older players, hoping for one or two more solid years. If the Raiders were to prefer adding a seasoned veteran opposite of Gareon Conley, Kareem Jackson could be an option.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was fantastic in 2018, ranking as the league’s fifth-best cornerback. On top of his outstanding versatility, Jackson was also one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the league, finishing the season with a run defense grade of 91.1.
If the Raiders are looking for a quick-fix at cornerback, Jackson might be the best player on the market. His best football may be behind him, but Jackson can undoubtedly provide enough as a CB2 to be worth the investment over the next few seasons.
Broncos CB Bradley Roby, 27
If the Raiders are looking for a familiar face, Bradley Roby of the Denver Broncos could be an intriguing option for Paul Guenther’s defense. Roby is a former first-round pick from Ohio State who has spent time playing outside and in the slot. For most of his career, Roby has been the Broncos third-cornerback, but in 2018, he was elevated to the No.2 role opposite of Chris Harris Jr.
Roby had a down season in 2018, but his talent and ability are unquestioned. Assuming that he hits free agency, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him get a deal close to $10 million per season. Considering how well he can play in the slot, this wouldn’t be the worst option. Keep an eye out for the fellow AFC West cornerback as he is expected to have a strong market in March.
Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard, 28
One player that should be considered heavily by the Raiders this offseason is a player that defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is very familiar with; Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard. Dennard was a first-round pick by the Bengals in 2014 but has struggled to crack the starting lineup in Cincinnati.
Under Guenther, Dennard was primarily used as a slot cornerback, but he has the size to play on the outside as well. Of the five cornerbacks listed, Dennard will likely be the cheapest. However, considering his familiarity with the defensive coordinator and his versatility, he may make the most sense for the Raiders at a reasonable price.
