Raiders free agency: Here are the possible targets on defense for this NFL offseason
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While the Las Vegas Raiders are setting their sights on choosing a new quarterback, whether it’s Aaron Rodgers (via trade), Jimmy Garoppolo (free agency) or a rookie (NFL draft), the franchise has plenty of other holes to fill on the roster.
Especially on defense, which they can begin to address in the upcoming free-agent period.
Sure, the Raiders cannot sign every available free agent, but they can fill some key holes when free agency begins March 13.
The Raiders have at least $43 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com.
Perhaps, they’ll rework some contracts to free up even more space, but the Raiders also need to bring back some of their own players on both sides of the ball. That includes star running back Josh Jacobs, who could receive the franchise tag but for whom an extension would be the preferred option.
The other major priority that comes to mind among their own free agents is linebacker Denzel Perryman, who’s proven a force on the field. He’s a key tackler and has shown he is a difference-maker throughout his NFL career.
Safety Duron Harmon, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and guard Jermaine Eluemunor are others the Raiders must consider bringing back.
And then how big of a splash will the Raiders make in free agency? Here are The Bee’s top five potential targets on defense.
DT Javon Hargrave
Oh, what the heck. Why not swing for the fences?
The Raiders can start free agency by signing Hargrave, who was disruptive on the interior line for NFC champion Philadelphia.
He finished the season with 11 sacks and would immediately boost the Raiders defense.
Hargrave won’t come cheap, but he’d be worth every bit of it, only missing two games due to injuries in seven seasons.
If not Hargrave, then Minnesota’s Dalvin Tomlinson would be an option.
CB James Bradberry
Talk about filling a position of need. Currently, the Raiders have Nate Hobbs, Amik Robertson, Tyler Hall and Sam Webb at cornerback.
That’s it.
The Raiders must address this position with a veteran in Bradberry, who will be remembered for his holding call in the Super Bowl.
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Regardless, Bradberry would seem like an ideal fit, since he played for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with the New York Giants.
He finished the 2022 season with three interceptions, including one that was picked off for a touchdown. He played in all 17 games.
S Jordan Poyer
The Bee considered Jesse Bates III, but Poyer seems to be the way to go with an ideal contract.
Pro Football Focus figured a two-year deal worth $17 million.
He’s coming off a Pro Bowl year for Buffalo in which he had four interceptions.
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If the Raiders can re-sign Harmon and sign Poyer, that’s another boost for the Raiders in the safety position to pair up with Tre’von Moehrig.
LB Azeez Al-Shaair
The Bee thought about Tremaine Edmunds and Germaine Pratt, but both will command big contracts.
Al-Shaair can be brought in at a more ideal figure.
He came into the league as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.
In 31 starts, Al-Shaair has 199 tackles (11 for loss).
LB Devin Bush
Another linebacker? Why not? If the Raiders can’t bring back Denzel Perryman then they will have to shore up the linebackers.
Bush comes to mind.
The linebacker position has long been an issue for the Raiders.
Bush has been consistent for the past two seasons in Pittsburgh, racking up 151 tackles, four tackles for a loss and six quarterback hits.
This story was originally published February 24, 2023 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Raiders free agency: Here are the possible targets on defense for this NFL offseason."
