The Las Vegas Raiders have been somewhat active through the first wave of free agency, but that hasn’t resulted in as many high-impact signings as some Raiders fans may have hoped for.
Some players, such as linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkowski, will be immediate starters, and good ones at that. But many fans are seeking more high-end talent for a team that is looking to compete in a wide-open AFC.
One football adage has always stated that free agency should be used to fill needs, while the draft is all about adding whatever premium talent you can.
With that being said, below are five remaining free agents that the Raiders should explore signing, five players that could make an immediate impact at positions of need and improve the playoff odds for a team that hasn’t seen the postseason since the end of the 2016 NFL season.
EDGE Everson Griffen
The long-time Viking recently announced that he would not be returning to Minnesota, and that is huge news for anyone looking for an impact player to rush quarterbacks.
Griffen has had an excellent career and his play at age 31 did not decline. His sack numbers were down, but he finished in the top 10 in the NFL in pressures (per Pro Football Focus) and pass-rush win rate. He also can play the run and would be a tremendous addition for any team looking for a boost.
During the Vikings’ upset win in the Wild Card game at New Orleans, Griffen kicked inside on passing downs and absolutely dominated. He could come in and form quite the base down duo with Clelin Ferrell and give another pass rushing option along with Maxx Crosby and Carl Nassib. He would be an excellent fit.
CB Xavier Rhodes
Rhodes’s best days are behind him. He’s actually been sub-par for the last two seasons, but he’s still young enough to make a true impact. He’s big, he’s physical, he’s fast, and he’s willing to take on any challenge you throw at him.
The Silver and Black did sign Eli Apple, but he’s never had the level of success that Rhodes has had. With youngster Trayvon Mullen manning one boundary, the Raiders need to find someone that can play the other. Again, Rhodes may not be among the best in the league anymore, but he still can fill a huge need.
Also, signing Rhodes should not prohibit the Raiders from taking a potential impact corner in a draft that is loaded with talent at the position. You really never can have enough corners.
WR Breshad Perriman
The former bust has actually been very good over the last two seasons. During the second half of the 2018 season, Perriman made a lot of plays for Baker Mayfield and the Browns. This past season with Tampa Bay, Perriman showcased a lot of the talent that made him a first-round pick for Baltimore in 2015.
Most of his early issues were with drops, but he seems to have moved past those issues and could certainly make an impact with his combination of size and speed. Again, the Raiders signing Perriman would not prevent them from drafting another receiver in is the best pool of receiving talent to enter the draft in a long, long time.
WR Robby Anderson
Anderson is a very good player that has been in a horrible situation throughout his career. The Jets have either had bad quarterback play or bad offensive line play (or both), leaving a player with his skillset in a tough spot. He is a deep threat that uses his speed as a means of creating space underneath.
As a defense, you have to honor his ability to get deep, which often creates opportunities for stops, hitches, curls and plenty of other routes that can consistently move the chains. Anderson will be far more expensive than Perriman, but he would be worth it.
Also, given that the receiver market has been slow to develop, he may be much less expensive than one would have previously thought. If he would accept a deal in the $11-12 million range annually, the Raiders should be heavily involved.
CB Logan Ryan
Ryan is another veteran defensive back that is getting past his prime. But there is no denying that he has been an effective slot corner for years. He’s big and physical on the inside and has no problem sticking his nose into the play in run support. He is seeking a big contract in the neighborhood of $10 million annually, which probably won’t happen, but his impact goes beyond his play.
Ryan is a leader, has played for winning teams in New England and Tennessee, and can certainly help the aforementioned Mullen and whichever defensive back(s) the Silver and Black take in April’s draft. If/when his price tag comes down, look for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock to explore Ryan’s interest in joining Las Vegas.
With the Silver and Black on the upswing, a few moves from the above list could make all the difference in the world. There are, as of now, two picks inside the top 20 in the draft, and three more in the third round. The draft class is a deep one, which could mean five players (or more) that could certainly better the Raiders situation, both in the short and long term.
However, adding some premium talent, and known commodities, certainly could speed up the process. And these are five players that fit exactly what the Raiders are looking for.
