The New Orleans Saints got everything they could have asked for after signing linebacker Manti Te’o before the 2017 season. Te’o stepped up as injuries hit the linebacking corps that season, starting for most of the regular season and both of the Saints’ playoff games. But in 2018, the addition of Demario Davis and streaks of good health for A.J. Klein and Alex Anzalone made Te’o a healthy inactive for all but five games. So it makes sense for him to look for new opportunities in free agency.
Te’o met with the Oakland Raiders as he considers his options, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This would be a good fit for Te’o, who specializes in lining up as a middle linebacker and calling plays for the defense. Oakland really doesn’t have any prospects on their roster who can do that effectively, and last year’s weak defensive effort made it clear that they need all the linebackers they can get their hands on.
Besides the football incentives, Te’o would be a five hour flight from home. He grew up outside Honolulu and would have the opportunity to more easily visit his family and hometown. That’s a big upgrade from the eleven-and-a-half hour trip from New Orleans. If the Raiders are up to meeting Te’o’s contract expectations, he could end in a good situation.
