The Las Vegas Raiders made both smart and head-scratching moves since free agency opened a few weeks ago. The Raiders still hold about $6-8 million in cap space, which they can use to sign another quality veteran. What free agency need do the Raiders still need to address?
Raiders' Cap Situation
Las Vegas’ cap situation is not exactly clear, as Spotrac and Over the Cap do not currently reflect some of their recent extensions and renegotiations. Quarterback Marcus Mariota renegotiated his contract to remain as the team’s key backup QB. Center Andre James got a contract extension, as did starting left tackle Kolton Miller.
Obviously, most of their leftover money will go toward signing rookies after the NFL Draft. Nonetheless, the Raiders can make some cap room to sign another veteran free agent or two.
The Raiders can also create more cap space by cutting or trading running back Jalen Richard for about $2.375 million in cap space. They can add another $2.18 million by moving on from defensive end Arden Key. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst and offensive tackle Brandon Parker offer similar cap savings, but they would be harder to cut.
Key and Richard appear to be competing for their roster spots. Releasing David Irving could also save the Raiders about a million in cap room.
The point is, the Raiders can make cap space for the right free agent. Veterans should also consider signing a bargain deal with Vegas, since the tax situation is much more favorable than other states.
Busy Offseason
On one hand, the Raiders addressed pass rush needs by signing edge Yannick Ngakoue, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and more. This should add competition across a defensive line that finished in the bottom five for sacks last season.
They let key defensive back LaMarcus Joyner go, while safety Erik Harris walked in free agency. Linebacker Nicolas Morrow, corner Nevin Lawson and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins were re-signed.
Offensively, they made difficult decisions trading Rodney Hudson, Trent Brown and Gabe Jackson for draft picks. They brought back Richie Incognito despite releasing him only a few days earlier. Versatile veteran lineman Denzelle Good re-signed. Receiver Zay Jones, tight end Derek Carrier and running back Theo Riddick all re-signed as veteran depth.
Las Vegas also added speed to its offense by signing receiver John Brown and running back Kenyan Drake. Receiver Willie Snead joined from the Ravens and former Texans center Nick Martin signed to compete at center.
The Raiders addressed many needs in free agency, but they can still fill a few voids.
Team Needs
Vegas did not add to a secondary that finished in the bottom six for interceptions.
Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette project as starters at corner. Both players have been up and down as starters in their first seasons. Adding a veteran corner to push and mentor those players makes sense.
The safety spot is not much better. Safety Jeff Heath surprised with three interceptions last year, but is he really a full-time starter? Heath played free safety often in his first year with the Raiders but is a natural strong safety. Starting strong safety Johnathan Abram was a first-round pick a few years ago, but he ranked toward the bottom in coverage, per PFF. Both those positions need a jolt via the draft or free agency.
Las Vegas could also use more depth along the offensive line. Brown left a massive void at right tackle when he was traded only two seasons after he was a marquee free-agent signing.
Good can play guard or tackle. Parker and John Simpson flashed as starters, but they have yet to show they can consistently start. More depth along the offensive line is needed, depending on where they want Good.
The Biggest Glaring Free Agency Need
Ultimately, the Raiders have many veteran options this late in free agency. Whether they sign a safety, corner, tackle or all three, the Raiders can still add competition for cheap. Nonetheless, they must address the safety position before they consider other needs.
Last season, the Raiders' safety position was a mess due to injuries and ineffectiveness. Joyner and Harris are gone. Heath and Abram played up and down. Isaiah Johnson and Amik Robertson were middle-round draft selections the last few seasons. Both have skills and experience to play safety. They were needed there last season due to injury, but they might be better at corner.
Luckily, the Raiders can still find veteran safety help in free agency.
Safeties Worth Signing
Former Colts safety Malik Hooker makes the most sense for the Raiders in free agency right now. He was the No. 15 pick in 2017 due to his playmaking and versatility. Hooker suffered a knee injury his first year and tore his Achilles last year. He has also suffered hip injuries.
However, Hooker barely turns 25 this year. He registered seven interceptions in 35 career starts over the last four years. Hooker brings more upside than any other safety available. He only played in two games last year, so he should be willing to sign with the Raiders for cheap.
Other safety options for the Raiders include Tre Boston and Jahleel Addae. Both know the scheme due to their tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers. New Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley held the same position with the Bolts. Both bring the size and speed to play either safety spot.
Bradley McDougald spent a long time with the Seattle Seahawks, who run a similar scheme to what the Raiders will run under Bradley. McDougald had a down year with the New York Jets last year. However, he had five interceptions as a strong safety with the Hawks from 2018-19.
Tashaun Gipson is 31 but registered five interceptions over the past two seasons. Gipson makes sense for his playmaking and brings experience playing both safety spots. There are other low-key starters slipping through the cracks.
Former Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles safety Will Parks could also make sense. Parks has started 18 games over five seasons. Last year was the first year he didn't register an interception.
Duron Harmon intercepted two passes last year as a starter with Detroit. The former Patriot started all over the secondary throughout his career. He just turned 30.
Dean Marlowe is another low-key safety with starting experience for the Raiders to consider. Marlowe turns 29 soon, but he registered two interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 15 games and four starts last year. It was his best year.
Parks, Harmon and Marlowe could all compete for starting time right away. It is unclear if they would start, but that competition would push Heath and Abram. It also means the Raiders wouldn't be forced into taking a safety high in the draft.
Other Considerations
Guys like Kenny Vaccarro, Sean Davis and George Iloka could also make sense. However, they are probably more name than game at this point in their careers. Vegas could also revisit Damarious Randall, who was cut last year. Vegas may aconsider bringing back Karl Joseph after they let him walk last year. Both are experienced and offer good athleticism. That is why they were once high draft selections.
The point is, the Raiders have plenty of options left to fix their need at safety in free agency before the NFL Draft. Vegas can find experience, scheme familiarity, versatility and playmaking upside at safety. Versatility will be needed when the Raiders sign a veteran safety since Heath and Abram both need to compete for their jobs.
Either way, the Raiders don't need to panic about not addressing the safety position in free agency yet. There are still many players available for the Raiders to consider over the next few months.
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