While the NFL Draft is just two weeks away, there are still several quality players in free agency that could help teams. Usually, it’s at this point in during free agency where the best value signings happen.
Today, we are going to take a look at seven veterans who could come in and help the Raiders in 2019.
LB Zach Brown
The Raiders have done an excellent job of adding veterans to their linebacker unit this offseason, signing Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall. However, neither of those players are guaranteed a roster spot. First-year general manager Mike Mayock signed both of these players to “prove-it” deals with very little guaranteed money.
Due to their relatively small salaries, Oakland could afford to sign another high-upside linebacker on the market; Zach Brown, formerly of the Washington Redskins.
Brown is only 29 years old and is still one of the most athletic linebackers in the league. If signed, he would instantly be the most athletic linebacker on the roster and would give the defense a lot of speed. Of all the free agents on the list, Brown might make the most sense.
CB Morris Claiborne
One of the best value free agents on the market could prove to be former 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. If Oakland could pair him with Gareon Conley on a cheap one-year deal, this would be a home-run signing for the Raiders. Claiborne can still start in the NFL.
RB T.J. Yeldon
If the Raiders are trying to get younger at the running back position, look no further than T.J. Yeldon, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yeldon is just 25 years old and has proven to be a capable runner and receiver.
While he might never be a featured running back in the NFL, he has the tools to do a little bit of everything. Over the last two seasons, Yeldon has averaged an impressive 4.4 yards per carry, but also 8.4 yards per reception on 85 catches. He’s still a high-end No. 2 running back in the NFL.
Pairing him with Isaiah Crowell and Jalen Richard would help round out the Raiders’ backfield for the 2019 season. Yeldon shouldn’t cost much, making this a no-brainer move for Oakland.
EDGE Derrick Morgan
Despite their massive need at the position, the Raiders haven’t done much to address their pass-rush need this offseason. Second-year player Arden Key is still expected to be the team’s top edge rusher heading into the draft.
However, there are a few pass-rushers on the market that could help on the edge for the Raiders this season.
One such player is former Tennesse Titans pass-rusher Derrick Morgan. Morgan struggled in 2018, recording just half a sack, but he has proved to be a reliable player off the edge for most of his career. Between 2016 and 2017, he recorded 36 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks.
If Oakland can get him to return to that player, he would make for an excellent starter opposite of Key.
Morgan just turned 30 years old, so you would think he could make an impact, even as a reserve player. Morgan’s health may dictate whether or not the Raiders are interested.
EDGE Nick Perry
After signing a massive contract extension in 2017, Nick Perry failed to live up to expectations in Green Bay. Since 2017, he’s recorded just 8.5 sacks in 20 starts. However, he’s only 28 years old and has proved to be an effective pass rusher in the NFL, when motivated.
Could Perry bounce back if given a one-year “prove-it” deal? It’s certainly worth finding out. If nothing else, he provides the team with another capable body at the position who has shown he can win in the NFL. It wouldn’t be a total shock if Perry bounced back in 2019, now that he is healthy.
EDGE Shane Ray
The Oakland Raiders recently brought in former Broncos edge rusher Shane Ray for a visit, so we know the team has some interest. Ray was a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft but has dealt with injuries throughout his career.
However, he has shown the talent and the ability to get to the quarterback when he is healthy. Ray likely won’t cost much, but he could provide valuable insurance and depth at the position.
Even if he’s only a backup to someone like Arden Key, a one-year deal might prove beneficial for both parties.
RB Marshawn Lynch
Last, but not least is Marshawn Lynch. Without a doubt, Lynch is the best running back left on the market. In his two year-stint in Oakland, Lynch has rushed for 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns on 297 carries.
He has proved to be a workhorse back who can not only help grind out yards on the ground, but also help in the passing game as well. He would also make for an excellent mentor to any running back the team may add during the NFL Draft, as well.
Lynch also provides toughness to the Raiders’ organization as he has been the heart and soul of the team over the last two years. Assuming he wants to play football in 2019, the Raiders have to bring back Lynch.
