The Oakland Raiders need to add linebackers this offseason as it’s arguably the team’s biggest need outside of edge rushers. But with the free agent market exploding, the Raiders were never really “in” on any of the top linebackers in this class. However, there is suddenly a new name available who the Raiders could have interest in.
On Monday morning, the Cincinnati Bengals cut former Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Burfict is one of the most controversial players in the NFL as he has racked up the fines and suspensions throughout his career. Burfict struggled mightily last season, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ 83rd-ranked linebacker. He started seven games with the team and tallied just 16 solo tackles as his effort diminished by the week.
However, with his former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther now with the Raiders, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Oakland interested.
In fact, we know that the Raiders have been interested in him before. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Raiders discussed trading for the linebacker last offseason. Those talks came to a halt when it was announced that Burfict would be serving a four-game suspension for the violation of performance-enhancing drugs.
Now that Burfict is a free agent, could the Raiders be interested once again? The team needs depth at the position, and he has proved to be more than adequate when he wants to play. At just the age of 28, Burfict should still have a few good years left in him, assuming the motivation is there. However, that has been a problem as of late.
Expect the Raiders to at least have some interest in the former Bengal and look for Guenther to push to add the linebacker to his defense.
