It is no secret that the Raiders need linebacker help. The team released two-year starter Tahir Whitehead on Monday, creating a need for two starting off-the-ball linebackers heading into the 2020 offseason. But it appears the Raiders are already doing their due diligence on available linebackers.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Raiders are meeting with recently released linebacker Christian Kirksey on Wednesday. Kirksey was released by the Browns on Tuesday with a failed physical designation.
Less than 24 hours after getting released by the #Browns, LB Christian Kirksey is visiting the #Raiders today, sources say. Oakland/Vegas released LB Tahir Whitehead earlier this week.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2020
Kirksey has dealt with several injuries over the last two seasons as he has played in a combined nine games since 2018. When he is healthy, he is one of the more reliable tacklers in the entire league.
While the Raiders are likely to draft their starting linebackers this offseason, it’s never a bad idea to look at the free-agent pool to see what is available. If Kirksey can prove that he will be healthy for the 2020 season, it may be work taking a flyer on him this offseason.
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