Over the next several weeks, the Oakland Raiders will hold meetings to decide which free agents the team wants to keep and which ones it will allow to leave. Often, the price will be the deciding factor in these decisions, but there are times when it’s just better for the team and the player to go in their separate directions.
With the Raiders currently having 33 potential free agents, according to OverTheCap.com, the team is going to be picky about which players it can retain. But there are a few obvious players who likely won’t be back in 2019. Here is a list of the top five players who the Raiders should let walk during free agency.
FS Reggie Nelson, 35
Nelson has been a favorite of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther for years, dating back to their days in Cincinnati. Guenther has always valued his leadership and playmaking skills in the secondary.
However, safety is a spot where the team needs to get younger and add more speed. While Nelson did have two interceptions in 2018, his play clearly dropped off from previous seasons He turns 36 in September and just no longer has the speed to be a starting safety.
It wouldn’t be entirely shocking if the team brought him back next year in a reserve role, but it’s time for the two sides to move on. Expect Nelson to be playing elsewhere in 2019.
RB Doug Martin, 30
Martin was one of the team’s more head-scratching signings during the 2018 offseason. With Marshawn Lynch and Jalen Ricard already on the roster, signing a veteran running back didn’t seem to make much sense.
However, when Lynch went down with his groin injury, it was Martin who assumed the lead-back role. All in all, Martin did an admirable job, totaling 839 yards on 190 touches. He wasn’t spectacular, but he was solid nonetheless.
As the team heads into the 2019 season, the running back position is a need that has to be addressed. The Raiders need to add speed to the position, something Martin just can’t offer at this point in his career. Expect Martin to get a few offers as a backup during free agency.
CB Rashaan Melvin, 29
Melvin was yet another offseason signing for the Oakland Raiders in 2018. After a good season with the Colts, the Raiders were hoping that Melvin would stabilize the other outside cornerback spot opposite of Gareon Conley. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as he struggled with the scheme and had one of the worst years of his career.
Melvin is a veteran cornerback who has a lot of skin on the wall, but he’s just not worthy of a starting spot. If the Raiders can convince him to return to a reserve role, then Melvin would be worth resigning. Otherwise, the Raiders would be wise to move on as they look to get younger in the secondary.
DB Leon Hall, 34
Much like Nelson, Hall is another player who has followed defensive coordinator Paul Guenther throughout his career. During his heyday, Hall was one of the best cornerbacks in the league, being able to play on both the outside and in the slot. In recent seasons, Hall has primarily played in the slot, while moonlighting as a free safety from time to time.
But at 34 years old, Hall’s body is breaking down, and he no longer has the quickness to keep up with slot receivers. Hall suffered a back injury this year that forced him to be placed on the team’s injured reserve list, ending his season. While his leadership will undoubtedly be missed, the Raiders need to get younger in the secondary. Expect Hall to catch on somewhere, but just not in Oakland.
WR Brandon LaFell, 32
LaFell joined the Raiders before the start of the 2018 season and actually played well in his brief stint with the team. The veteran recorded 12 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns in six games with the team. While the team was dealing with injuries, LaFell started five games and was a solid, yet unspectacular outside receiver.
But LaFell suffered a torn Achilles and was placed on the injured reserve list in November. Considering his age, his play and now his injury history, the Raiders would be wise to let LaFell walk in free agency.
If he is healthy by September and the team is dealing with injuries once again, he is a name to keep in mind. However, there shouldn’t be any reason to offer him a contract this offseason.
