With Free Agency just over a week away, we take a look at the Raiders’ need positions ahead of free agency ranking them starting with the most critical and going from there.
Critical
Quarterback
Returning starter: ???
Depth: Chase Garbers
Free agents: Jarrett Stidham
Derek Carr is gone. Cut after nine seasons. Whether it’s free agency or the draft, adding a starting QB and a primary backup will be necessary. The Raiders need to seriously think about re-signing Stidham if for no other reason than to have an insurance plan.
Interior offensive line
Starters: Dylan Parham, Andre James, Alex Bars
Depth: Netane Muti, Hroniss Grasu, Vitaly Gurman, Jordan Meredith
Dylan Parham is the only surefire interior lineman. He can play guard or center. An upgrade for Andre James would be good too. Either way, they are desperate for at least one new starter at guard, and possibly an upgrade at another position.
Cornerback
Returning starters: Nate Hobbs
Depth: Tyler Hall, Amik Robertson, Sam Webb, Ike Brown, Bryce Cosby
Free agents: Rock Ya-Sin, Anthony Averett, Sidney Jones
Why: Hobbs can play outside but does his best work in the slot and good slot corners are not easy to find. With Rock Ya-Sin headed for free agency, there simply isn’t a surefire starter on the outside. That’s two crucial positions.