With the offseason upon us, all of the experts are looking at what each team can/will do to improve heading into the 2020 season. With the Senior Bowl concluding last week, the NFL Draft is at the forefront of most fans’ minds. Rightfully so, as that is how the foundation of each team will be formed.
But, for teams that have some very specific needs, free agency will play a key role. With Oakland/Las Vegas, they are an up and coming team with a lot of young talent, but are missing a few key pieces. Below are six realistic free agent targets that would fit both needs and the Raiders’ scheme.
QB Tom Brady
With Tom Brady, everything comes down to what the New England Patriots can offer. And, this is not just in terms of finances. The Patriots offense was not good in 2019, with some of the fault sure to fall at the feet of Brady, but a nice chunk of the blame at the so-called weapons at Brady’s disposal.
There is no doubt that Brady will go down as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) when he does hang up his cleats, but, for now, he remains intent on playing in 2020 and beyond. While his preference is (most likely) to return to Foxborough, he won’t go back unless it all adds up.
The Patriots must improve, both on the offensive line and with his weapons. Julian Edelman was clearly hurt in the second half of the season but was still the top option. The loss of TE Rob Gronkowski to retirement was brutal for the Patriots offensive production.
Mohamed Sanu was acquired mid-season for a second-round pick, and that did not turn out well for New England. The Tight Ends were virtually non-existent. And, 2019 first-rounder N’Keal Harry failed to live up to his lofty expectations.
So, the door is open for a team like the Raiders to swoop in and steal him away. Yes, Derek Carr is under contract for 2020, but the Raiders can get out of that contract with minimal salary cap ramifications. With the move to Las Vegas, what better way to christen the new stadium than by bringing in Brady?
Only $2.5 million of Carr’s contract becomes guaranteed this week, so the Raiders can save roughly $19 million if they release him later. If the perfect storm comes along, that money can be used as part of a larger offer to Mr. Brady. This actually does have a chance.
S Anthony Harris
Anthony Harris is one of the most underrated players in the league, period. His play since becoming a full-time starter in Minnesota has been absolutely phenomenal. He simply is one of the best safeties in the league. He was tied for the league lead with six interceptions in 2019.
Also, per Pro Football Focus, he has not allowed a single touchdown in coverage over the last two seasons. His running mate in Minnesota, Harrison Smith, gets all of the accolades, but Harris has been the better player for the better part of a year.
While clearly one of the best centerfielders in football, he’s also an excellent run defender near the line of scrimmage. He’s an excellent tackler displaying the proper form in run support who is also capable of delivering a big shot. He’s a complete player and he will get paid this offseason. The Raiders should be involved.
LB Jamie Collins
Collins has been a polarizing player in the league. He had a great run in New England early in his career, only to be shipped out of town by Bill Belichick for freelancing a little too much. He did not play all that well in Cleveland. He, ultimately, ended up back in New England and played very much like he did early on in his career.
He’s a fast, physical linebacker capable of playing both the pass and the run. I’d like to see a little more when he blitzes, but he can be a stabilizing force for a position group in dire need of an upgrade. At a clear position of need, Collins could make a huge impact and provide the Raiders more options in the early rounds of the draft.
CB Kendall Fuller
Fuller was miscast in 2019 as a safety. While he was solid, he would greatly benefit from a move back into the slot. He’s young (25) and has all of the skills needed to excel in a hybrid role on defense.
He’s proven to have excellent ball skills, capable of creating turnovers at any given moment. He did just win a Super Bowl as part of the Kansas City Chiefs, so his price tag may increase, but he would be worth it for a defense that could use a player of his caliber.
Fuller is definitely good enough to play on the outside in base defenses and shift into the slot in the nickel. I’m a huge fan of his game and think he should be one of the first guys Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden bring in once the legal tampering period opens up.
WR Robby Anderson
The Raiders made a play for Anderson at the trade deadline last year but were unable/unwilling to meet the Jets’ demands. Well, Anderson is now a free agent and would be a nice fit for Jon Gruden’s offense.
Best known as a speedster/vertical threat, Anderson is much more than that. He can win in the short and intermediate areas of the field and has some after the catch ability, as well.
With Tyrell Williams best suited as a red-zone target and Darren Waller exploding onto the scene, Anderson could find himself in many favorable 1v1 matchups. He will not come cheaply, but Anderson would add a legitimate weapon to a much-improved offense.
CB Mackensie Alexander
Alexander is a slot corner and a good one at that. His 2019 was cut short by injury, but that may save his next team some money on his next contract. With Xavier Rhodes likely to be cut by Minnesota and Trae Waynes a free agent, the Vikings may try to bring Alexander back, despite their cap woes.
Enter the Raiders. I believe Kendall Fuller may be a better fit due to his versatility, but Alexander also fills a need as one of the best slot defenders in football. But, Alexander’s injury-shortened season will make him cheaper (and likely a better bargain) than Fuller and that will be helpful as the Raiders look to fill a few holes through the free agency process.
Now, there are some higher-profile free agents out there, but they are not all worth breaking the bank over. This grouping of players all can make a huge impact without consuming all of the Raiders’ available cap space.
Signing 2-3 of these players, plus adding a few studs in the NFL Draft’s first few rounds, could leave the Raiders competing for not only a playoff spot, but potentially with the Chiefs for the AFC West divisional crown. The Chiefs will have to make some significant roster decisions that could give an up and coming team like Oakland/Las Vegas a chance.
Things are looking up, Raiders fans.
