The Oakland Raiders will have over $60 million in cap space this offseason and will be active in the free agent market. There many areas in which the Raiders need to make improvements, and there are quite a few options this offseason. Here’s a look at some of the key free agents the Raiders must try to bring in.
Jared Veldheer, Rashad Jennings, and Lamarr Houston are all Oakland free agents that the team can’t afford to lose. Veldheer is key to the offensive line, Jennings is valuable to the run game, and Houston is a big part of an improving defense. Veldheer and Houston especially should be Reggie McKenzie’s top priority this offseason.
Oakland’s pass rush is in need of major improvement and free agent defensive end Jared Allen could draw a lot of interest from the silver and black. In his 10 year career in the NFL, Allen has posted double digit sacks in eight seasons. Allen is a well known impact player and could greatly improve a struggling defensive front. He’s a veteran with consistent production which the Raiders could use.
A big need for the Raiders is a quarterback and there are several they could consider as free agents. Michael Vick, Josh Freeman, and Matt Cassel are a few top options for Oakland. Vick and Freeman are the two most rumored and associated with the Raiders. Both quarterbacks have strong physical tools, but there are questions surrounding both of them. WIth Vick, it’s a matter of health. If they were to sign him, he would be a short term quarterback filling the role until they were able to find a franchise quarterback.
With Freeman there are some concerns with how he can compose himself in the locker room and whether or not he is mature enough for this gig. He had a rocky relationship in Tampa Bay and that has caused the concern by teams around the league as he didn’t get along with then head coach Greg Schiano.
Receivers are also needed in Oakland and Hakeem Nicks has been mentioned as an option for Oakland. The wide receiver has proven he can be a leader in the receiving core and be an impact player. Rod Streater had a nice season, but Denarius Moore is known for his inconsistencies. Nicks would be a great player for the Raiders to consider as he can be a low price high reward option.