NFL
By: Kevin Le
The free agency period for the NFL is just around the corner and Las Vegas Raiders need to leave a winner. Head coach Jon Gruden will enter his third season in his second stint and has yet to make the playoffs. The Raiders have already started their off-season by signing Gus Bradley to become their new defensive coordinator. Much more work needs to be done by general manager Mike Mayock to reform this roster for the 2021 season. Mayock will need to bring in some household names to get the Raiders to the playoffs. Five players, in particular, are on the Raiders free agency wishlist once they are available to sign. These players would play a significant role for the Raiders if signed this free agency. Not everything on this list will come true, but if it does then look out for the Raiders.
Top Five on Target List
1) Justin Simmons – Safety (Broncos)
The Raiders are very familiar with safety Justin Simmons by seeing him twice a year in the same division. Simmons is a rangy safety that plays multiple roles that most safeties cannot do in today’s game. Raiders Jonathan Abram is the enforcer in the back end of the defense, but he needs a consistent partner. Acquiring Simmons via free agency will boost this secondary’s play immediately and cross off a big need. This Raiders defense needs a ball hawk and Simmons can improve his peers around him as well. Stealing a top player from an AFC West rival is always a good thing in this division.
2) Lavonte David – Linebacker (Buccaneers)
A position that the Raiders cannot seem to hit on is the linebacker spot which has been a huge need. Bringing in linebacker Lavonte David would turn a below Raiders defense into a formidable one right away. David is a linebacker who can cover tight ends and run with running backs if needed. The Raiders brought in multiple linebackers to try to shore up the middle, but it just hasn’t been a fit. In this age of NFL football, having linebackers who can defend the run and cover will pay big dividends. Signing David would fix one of the Raiders biggest holes on defense and shift the focus to other positions.
3) Melvin Ingram III – Defensive End (Chargers)
Another familiar face that the Raiders see twice a year in the same division is defensive end Melvin Ingram III. It’s no secret that the Raiders lack a consistent pass rush to get to the quarterback. Ingram when healthy is a productive pass-rusher who can be paired along with Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. New Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley knows Ingram very well as he coached him last season in Los Angeles. This could play a big role in where Ingram devices to go this off-season. Getting Ingram would improve this pass rush right away and would take one from an AFC West opponent.
4) Ndamukong Suh – Defensive Tackle (Buccaneers)
The Raiders were once in the sweepstakes for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, but this might be their best chance yet. A weakness in the Raiders defense is getting pressure and a strength in Suh’s game is generating pressure. Suh is not the same player he was when he was with Detroit but is still a solid defensive lineman. Having his veteran presence on this line would help Maxx Crosby, Maurice Hurst, and Clelin Ferrell immensely. Once this defensive line for the Raiders gets fixed then look for the whole defense to follow. Getting Suh for cheap and a short term deal would be a low-risk high reward type of situation.
5) Allen Robinson III – Wide Receiver (Bears)
In 2020 the Raiders offense was very good but can be even better by adding wide receiver Allen Robinson III. For his whole career, Robinson has been playing with below-average quarterbacks which overshadows his great play. Derek Carr proved this season that he is the guy for Jon Gruden and much more. The Raiders need a big catch receiver and Robinson has been that for bad teams. This offense already has Agholor, Waller, Ruggs, Jacobs, Renfrow and it could soon add another star. The missing piece to this high powered offense could be Robinson and his ability to leap over defenders.
