The Oakland Raiders have abundant money to spend this offseason, $57,376,735 at the moment to be exact, and can expect that number to rise with the expected release of LaMarr Woodley and Tyvon Branch. Last offseason, general manager Reggie McKenzie was able to flash the cash as well. But his acquisitions were questionable and a year later, the majority of them didn’t pan out. This time around, new head coach Jack Del Rio will have a say as they look to turn the franchise around and get them back in the win column. Here’s a look at five free agents the Raiders should consider.
1. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Detroit Lions
The Raiders need to improve their pass rush and are well on their way to doing so with Khalil Mack and Sio Moore, but this young duo needs some help. Justin Tuck is expected to remain in the silver and black in 2015, and while his numbers weren’t spectacular, they were just serviceable last season.
There has been much talk about Suh and where he will end up. Many have said he is the epitome of the Oakland Raiders and would be a perfect fit. Now, the Raiders haven’t had many issues on or off the field with the league in terms of a negative impact. While Suh has had his fair share of troubles in his young career, it isn't a major concern. He can play dirty at times, but was a force to be reckoned with on the Lions defensive line. With the pass rush being an issue for the Raiders, Suh should be on the Raiders radar, and someone they consider bringing in this offseason.
2. Julius Thomas, Tight End, Denver Broncos
Oakland’s receiving core is mediocre at best and when it comes to the tight end position, Mychal Rivera just hasn’t delivered. The Raiders need playmakers to work alongside Derek Carr, and Thomas is just that. He has been an outstanding offensive weapon for Peyton Manning in Denver and became the first tight end in NFL history to have at least 12 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.
Bringing in such a key playmaker would cost the Raiders a pretty penny. Thomas rejected a five-year $40 million offer as he is reportedly seeking a near record in guarantees for his new deal. Thomas is familiar with Jack Del Rio as he was the Broncos defensive coordinator, and the Raiders must spend money to meet the minimum salary requirement. Carr needs playmakers and options on offense, something he lacked his rookie season. Thomas would be a splash of a signing and something the Raiders should explore when free agency opens.
3. Randall Cobb, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
As mentioned before, Carr needs playmakers and reliable receivers. No wide receiver on the market fits that more perfectly than Cobb. Granted he’s been able to work with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, but Carr had a great rookie season considering what he had to work with and is motivated to improve. The Raiders biggest need is at the receiving core, and the team is expected to be tied to several rumors regarding top free agent receivers. McKenzie also has ties to Cobb, dating back to his work as Green Bay's director of player personnel when the Packers drafted Cobb in 2011. Given Oakland's need for a playmaker, the familiarity between player and general manager and the money available, this is a perfect match.
4. A.J. Hawk, Defensive Linebacker
Like Cobb, Hawk has familiarity with McKenzie from being with the Packers organization, which could potentially play a role here. While Hawk would be a temporary fix on the Raiders defense, he is somebody they should look into signing because of his experience.
Hawk has played nine seasons in the NFL and has only missed two games. He’s still productive and could serve as a mentor for Moore and Mack, while providing a better pass rush threat. Hawk's down season last year could also be attributed to playing with bone spurs in his ankle.
With Nick Roach’s status still up in the air, Hawk may be someone the Raiders consider bringing in. Roach missed all of 2014 with a concussion and it’s unknown if he will play again, and Hawk would fit right in with the Raiders 4-3 system as he has played on defenses featuring both a 3-4 and 4-3 scheme.
5. DeMarco Murray, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys
The Raiders run game was simply a nightmare last season. They were last in the league in rushing and couldn’t move the ball with the ground game until Latavius Murray was handed the ball. Murray provided a great spark for the Raiders offense and they will utilize him in 2015, but they need depth at the position and DeMarco Murray could be in their sight. With several other needs a top concern, the Raiders shouldn’t push for DeMarco Murray, but he is definitely an option.
Overall, the Raiders have several holes to fill this offseason. In terms of priority, offense should be number one with signing playmakers to work around their franchise quarterback. The silver and black are undergoing a lot of change with a brand new coaching staff and will welcome many new faces come training camp. This offseason is key for McKenzie, and he needs to be smart with the cap situation. It’ll be interesting to see what the Raiders do, but they will make a splash with this free agent market.