As we inch closer to the new league year, it appears the Oakland Raiders are likely to be major players in free agency. With well over $70 million in cap space, the Raiders will be in play for every big-name player.
However, the teams that “win” in the offseason are the clubs that can find contributors at reasonable prices. Today, we are taking a look at seven “bargain-bin” players the Raiders should consider signing in free agency.
RB Bilal Powell, Jets
It’s no secret that the Raiders are going to be in the market for a running back this offseason. With Marshawn Lynch’s status up in the air and Jalen Richard scheduled to be a restricted free agent, the team needs to add more talent to the position.
One player that would fit the Raiders’ scheme well would be Powell of the New York Jets. He has proved to be one of the best receiving running backs in the NFL as he has caught 204 passes in his career while averaging 7.7 yards per reception. On the ground, he’s been efficient as well, averaging over 4.4 yards per rush. He’s also been fantastic after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.
Powell is an older free agent (30), but he would be able to produce for the Raiders as a change-of-pace back if the team lets Richard leave. Expect Powell to be available late in the free agent process.
RB T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars
If the Raiders are looking for a younger, more traditional running back, Yeldon could be an option for Oakland. For the last two seasons, Yeldon has been the backup to Leonard Fournette in Jacksonville. However, whenever Yeldon has played, he has been productive.
Despite only starting 30 career games, Yeldon has already caught 171 passes for 1,302 yards (7.6 yards per reception). While his yards per rush is nothing to write home about (4.0), it’s significantly higher than his teammate in Fournette (3.7). Yeldon may not “scare” defenses as much as Fournette, but his ability to be a factor in the passing game makes him a valued commodity.
If Lynch leaves, the combination of someone like Yeldon and Richard would give them a solid, yet unspectacular backfield. However, their ability to keep Derek Carr upright and to catch passes out of the backfield make it an interesting idea to consider.
WR Justin Hardy, Falcons
I fully expect the Raiders to be in the market for a potential WR1 this offseason. However, they need to add depth to the position, as well. One intriguing name to watch is Falcons receiver Justin Hardy.
Hardy was originally a fourth-round pick by the Falcons in 2015 but fell out of favor as he was primarily just a slot receiver. Despite averaging less than 10 yards per reception, Hardy has always been a reliable receiver, catching over 64 percent of his targeted passes, according to Pro Football Reference.
Hardy is a slot receiver only, but his massive hands (10 inches) and ability to create quick separation make him a fit in this offense. The fact that he can also contribute as a kick and punt returner makes him all the more valuable.
WR J.J. Nelson, Cardinals
While Hardy would provide a reliable option in the middle of the field, the Raiders lacks speed, something we aren’t used to saying about this team. However, there are a handful of names available in free agency that could help them solve this issue.
One name to consider is Nelson. Despite being listed at just 5-10, 160 pounds, he is one of the fastest receivers in the NFL. That speed has translated to production as Nelson has averaged an incredible 17.8 yards per reception throughout his career.
While Nelson is anything but a complete receiver, his speed would be a significant asset to this Raiders’ roster. He could replace Martavis Bryant, who the team traded a third-round pick for in 2018. Nelson would make a lot of sense as a WR3 or WR4 in Jon Gruden’s offense.
OT Cameron Fleming, Cowboys
One underrated need for the Raiders this offseason is at offensive tackle. Rookies Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker struggled mightily while veteran Donald Penn dealt with injuries. One player that could make sense as a swing tackle is veteran Cameron Fleming, formerly of the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys.
Fleming has experience playing both left and right tackle and played well in the absence of Tyron Smith in Dallas last season. He is still a relatively young player (26) and has started 23 games on two of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Over the last few seasons, he has proved to be one of the best reserve offensive linemen in the league.
The Raiders aren’t necessarily looking for a starting right tackle, but they need a competent backup who can step in and play well if Miller or Parker are struggling. Fleming could prove to be the ideal third-tackle for this Raiders’ roster. Expect him to take another one-year deal this offseason.
DT Danny Shelton, Patriots
The Raiders have a lot of youth on their defensive line, specifically in Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall. However, it wouldn’t be a mistake for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden to continue to add pieces to that group to complement their young talent.
One player who would make a lot of sense next to Hurst is Danny Shelton, the former first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns. Shelton was traded to the Patriots this offseason but only started one game for the team. Shelton did have a role with the Patriots as he was primarily used as a run-stopper against certain teams, such as the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl.
However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Shelton was looking for an opportunity to have a more consistent role next year. He would be an excellent one-technique for the Raiders, and the combination of him and Hall would give the team a lot of athleticism and strength at the position. Expect Shelton to get only a modest deal this offseason.
DT David Irving, Cowboys
Of all the free agents listed, none has a higher ceiling than David Irving of the Dallas Cowboys. Listed at 6-7, 290 pounds, Irving has the athleticism and ability to play anywhere on the defensive line and has done so in Dallas.
In his last 13 games, he’s recorded 33 tackles, 22 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. When he is on the field, you can make a case that he is one of the five most talented defensive linemen in the entire NFL.
However, that is the problem. Irving just isn’t on the field very often. Over the last two years, he has played in only 10 games as he has dealt with numerous injuries, suspensions and off-the-field distractions. He is from California and him heading back to the West Coast makes some sense. Irving could start right away at the left defensive end position but could kick inside on third down as another interior rusher for the Raiders.
Given his off-the-field issues, Irving likely won’t be an expensive free agent, but his potential is through the roof. This is a potential high-risk, high-reward signing for the Raiders.
