A few weeks ago, it occurred to me just what would be the approach the Raiders should take to free agency. I came away with a nice round number of ten moves that would make this free agency perfect. Now a week since the start of the free-agent negotiating period, how did the Raiders do? Let’s look at the moves I laid out compared to what they actually did.
1. Release Tahir Whitehead
Result: Check
That was their first move, freeing up $6.25 million against the cap.
2. Release WR Zay Jones
Result: Not happened… yet
This one isn’t a big deal. It would save the team $1.4 million to release him. Keep in mind, these weren’t in the order of priority, but the order I saw them happening chronologically. The team is at or near the end of their available cap money now, so that $1.4 million could come in handy.
3. Sign CB Byron Jones
Result: Signed CB Eli Apple
It wasn’t for a lack of trying. They made Jones a top priority. Offered him near $17 million per season, but the Dolphins gave him more in the first tow years ($40 million) of their deal, so he signed with them instead. The Raiders also had Chris Harris Jr. turn them down, so they grabbed Eli Apple in order to not be left out among free-agent cornerbacks entirely.
4. Sign LB Cory Littleton
Result: Check
Littleton was their other top priority and they got him. Easily the biggest acquisition for the team at a position that needs three new starters.
5. Sign WR Emmanuel Sanders
Result: Signed WR Nelson Agholor
Sanders made sense because he is talented and embodies qualities in a receiver Gruden loves, but wouldn’t cost too much because he’s 33 years old. Sanders ended up going to the Saints to play with Drew Brees. Can’t blame him for that. The Raiders clearly see the wide receiver spot as one they weren’t going to spend a lot of money on in free agency, so they signed Agholor to help with the overall unit and will look to the draft at a deep position.
6. Sign QB Marcus Mariota
Result: Check
They got their guy in Mariota. The perfect addition who could compete for a starting spot with Derek Carr or a drafted QB or both. At worst he’s the best backup the Raiders have had in some time. At best the former number two overall pick is a worthy starter.
7. Sign LB Nick Vigil
Result: Signed Nick Kwiatkoski
This move was about cost-effectiveness and familiarity. Technically signing Vigil could still happen because he hasn’t signed on anywhere. As mentioned, the Raiders need three new starters. Vigil played for Guenther which made him a natural choice. Kwiatkoski looks to be a better option. The Raiders also put a 2nd round tender on Nicholas Morrow.
8. Sign RB Jordan Howard
Result: Nothing…. yet
Howard appeared to be the best option on the market. He signed with the Dolphins. The Raiders could still come out of this with a complementary back. Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller would also make sense and are still out there. The question is if the Raiders can afford to sign them at this point.
9. Re-sign EDGE Dion Jordan
Result: Signed ED Carl Nassib
Really this was about having a rotational edge defender to go with Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. Nassib is a solid addition and certainly not a downgrade, he’s just considerably more expensive than Jordan would be. For what it’s worth, Jordan is still unsigned.
10. Add interior pass rusher
Result: Check (Maliek Collins)
Maliek Collins had 4.0 sacks and 10 QB hits last season which was better than any Raiders interior defender. And he appears to be just getting better. And thus the Raiders got the interior pass rush they needed.
Overall result:
Six of the ten moves were either nailed (Whitehead, Littleton, Mariota, Collins) or potentially even an upgrade to expectations (Kwiatkoski, Nassib).
They had to settle for lesser additions at receiver and cornerback and could still make a good move at running back. That is, of course, if they have the money to do so.
Moves not mentioned here include safety Jeff Heath, tight ends Jason Witten and Nick O’Leary, guard Eric Kush.
The weird doubling up at an already strong tight end position aside, this free agency has been pretty much near perfect for what the Raiders needed to do this free agency period.
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