Much like last year, the Raiders are going to be aggressive in free agency. With more than $65 million in cap space, the team could very well target several top-tier players to improve the quality of their team.
However, deciding on which positions to use their cap space and on which players will prove to be a difficult task. The depth of his free-agent class is at offensive guard and defensive tackle, both of which don’t appear to be significant needs for the Raiders. But if there is elite talent available, you can bet that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden will be interested.
In a recent article by Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, he predicted that the Raiders will use some of their excess cap space on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones. Take a look at why Moton thinks Jones would be a perfect fit in the Raiders’ defense:
At defensive tackle, Johnathan Hankins, Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall have been a solid trio. None of them provides a threat to the quarterback like Chris Jones, though. In 2018, Jones finished third leaguewide in sacks (15.5). During the 2019 campaign, he missed three games with a groin injury but still recorded nine sacks and eight tackles for loss. Those numbers top those of each of the Raiders’ interior defenders. The interior of the front line isn’t the Raiders’ biggest need; however, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther would finally have an interior tackle who could wreck the pocket as Geno Atkins did for him in Cincinnati.
With Paul Gunehter and Rod Marinelli now leading the defense, the three-technique defensive tackle spot is the most important position on the unit. That player needs to win one-on-one matchups to create a pass-rush. While Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall are both young, ascending players, neither have the upside or track record of someone like Jones.
If the Raiders want to continue to beef up their defensive line with talent, Jones would be a fantastic get for them, if he hits the free-agent market. Look for several teams to be interested in the former Mississippi State star in free agency.
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