What is the difference between a long shot and a dream? Simple, dreams can come true although unlikely. Versus a long shot is a foregone conclusion that it won’t happen but if it does than that is cool. Here are some long shot free agency signings for the Raiders.
1. Brian Orakpo- Edge Rusher
Orakpo has missed more games than he has played the past two seasons. He is still a great pass rusher and that might be enough for the Raiders to take a chance. Unless the Raiders give him a fat one year contract, I expect him to get over valued by another team or take a big one year deal to stay in Washington
2. Orlando Franklin- Guard
Franklin transitioned from tackle to guard last season for the Broncos. It was a successful transition, but he still won’t be worth the contract he will get. The Raiders learned from last year’s Austin Howard experience about paying a guard tackle money, so they will probably let him sign else where.
3. Byron Maxwell- Corner back
Really good No. 2 corner backs have a way of cashing out to be number two corner backs but they usually flame out. Maxwell will probably do the same. Hopefully the Raiders are smart enough to not offer the big money other teams will as he is a product of a great Seattle defense.
4. Malcolm Smith- Linebacker
Having Smith’s former position coach as our defensive coordinator easily links the Raiders to Smith. But if Ken Norton Jr. was so high on the young former Superbowl MVP wouldn’t he have not made him a reserve? Either way, I think Smith coming to the Raiders is a long shot because is he a inside backer, outside backer, starter, or reserve?
5. Michael Crabtree – Wide Receiver
Drafting the guy we passed on for Darius Heyward-Bey? Long Shot, even if he played his whole career on the other side of the bay.
While anything could happen in free agency, these players signing with the Raiders would be a surprise
When someone gets a large sum of money, we want to go to the most expensive place and see what it would be like to spend for luxury, especially if we have never had anything high quality. The smart people learn not to spend all of our money in one place. Here are the free agents who are not only more realistic signings for Raiders, but they also have a much cheaper price tag.
1. Terrance Knighton- Nose Tackle
Del Rio was a big reason Knighton wound up in Jacksonville. He should be a big reason why he ends up in Oakland. This is probably one of the most logical free agency rumors period. Especially once Suh comes off of the board, as Knighton does not have the same pass rushing ability to command nearly the same salary as Suh.
2. Tramon Williams- Corner Back
At 32 years old, Williams should not expect to break the bank. Especially as we remember him getting blown by in the NFC Championship game. Still, Williams has been a number one corner in the league, something no one else free at the position has done. Plus, Links to McKenzie and Woodson from Green Bay days make this logical.
3. Jeremy Maclin- Wide Receiver
Well the rest of the NFL drools over the explosive Cobb, the Raiders would be wise to swoop up Maclin. Maclin is only a few years older and suffered an injury in 2013 that cost him his season (as did Cobb). That should make him affordable. Not to mention, Maclin is familiar with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave as they both spent last season in Philidelphia.
4. Jerry Hughes- Defensive End
Hughes is one of the few free agents who hasn’t been linked to the Raiders. I’m not sure why as he is on the right side of thirty and had back to back double digit sacks. His experience as a stand-up linebacker and defensive end makes him a logical pass rusher for the Raiders. No reason he can not be the DeMarcus Ware/ Shaun Phillips to Khalil Mack’s Von Miller. Plus, Hughes has far less baggage than Hardy.
5. Jermaine Gresham- Tight End
Gresham has not been rumored to the Raiders either. The two-time pro bowler has ability as a pass catcher and blocker. As Thomas catches out, Gresham should be an under the radar and more realistic option for Oakland across the middle.
Any talk about Free Agency has pretty much been irrelevant until yesterday’s franchise tag deadline. Now that teams have established exactly who will be able to hit the open market, it is time to sort out all of the Raiders rumors. With the Raiders having up to 70 million in cap space (depending on your source), Raider nation has all the right to dream about their favorite free agents being in Silver and Black. In a perfect world, these are the ways Raiders fill position needs.
via google images
1. Ndamukong Suh- Defensive Tackle
Isn’t it obvious? Suh is not only the best defensive tackle on the market but he might be the best talent to hit the free market in a while. Suh has already said his agent and dollar signs will determine where he plays the rest of his career.
Therefore, the Raiders come in to play because they have the funds and the renegade persona that match Suh’s needs. Still, I think this is more dream than reality because will Reggie McKenzie ever pay any player more than 20 million? I know the Raiders are desperate for impact players but would they really have Suh opposed to two marquee free agents with all the wholes they have? Moreover, the more mainstream media connects Suh with the Raiders the less likely I think it occurs( Cough DJAX, Harbaugh). Even though I have lobbied for Suh for over a year, I think he probably cashes out elsewhere.
2. Randall Cobb- Receiver
Dez Bryant or Demarius Thomas would have been here had they not been franchised tag. That makes the 25 year old Cobb the prime meat of this free agent receiving class. Cobb not only has dynamic receiving ability but he can also bring value in the return game. His connection with Reggie McKenzie dating back to Green Bay make this an easy prediction for most.
Out of all the dreams listed here, Cobb is probably the most likely to be in Silver and Black. However, with rumors circulating that he might command 12 million, I think this is more fantasy. The Raiders are in a power position at No. 4 in the draft where receiver might not be as pressing of a need as people think. Also noted, there are less expensive starters on the open market. Hence, Cobb will have money thrown at him, but I think the Raiders ultimately dip out of this bidding war.
3. Greg Hardy- Defensive End
Jason Pierre-Paul would have been here, but he too became victim of the franchise tag. Hence, Hardy becomes the best edge player available as he was a dominate player two seasons ago
Unlike others on this list, I do not think signing Hardy is a dream because of the price. Rather, Hardy will be a dream to Raider Nation because nothing McKenzie has done in his past shows he will risk so much financial resources on players with as many off the field problems as Hardy. Someone will gamble on Hardy’s off the field problems but it will not be the Raiders.
4. Rodney Hudson- Center
Hudson has been linked to the Raiders as they have elected to like Stephen Wisenewski hit the open market. Hudson had a top rating by Pro Football focus makes him clearly the best target.
Still, letting Wisnewski walk is not a sign the Raiders thought they could upgrade at the position. Instead, I think it signals the Raiders will not break the bank on a center. Interior linemen can usually be found in the middle of the draft and that is the more realistic outlet for McKenzie to fill the whole at center.
5. Julius Thomas – Tight End
Thomas has had two dominate seasons making him the best tight end available. Him being a bay area native and familiarity with Jack Del Rio make this another easy link.
Still, considering the Raiders have young Rivera, they will not commit so much money to a tight end. With Thomas rumored to get 7-9 million, the Raiders will pass, especially on a tight end who can’t block. As i said before, they have Rivera to be a mediocre blocker already, so he will probably go to Jacksonville.
Overall, Raider fans have every reason to be excited for free agency. They should enjoy dreaming about the above players for the next week, because the reality is the Raiders might end up pursuing other less expensive options than the more quality players listed above.
