Why Raiders won't make a splash in free-agency but could find value in 30s
The NFL free agency is upon us and the “legal tampering” is about to begin before the new league year. That being said, don’t expect the Las Vegas Raiders to be big players looking to reel in that big fish.
There are numerous factors that go into free agency including salary cap health. As stated in my previous article, the Raiders are sitting at $17.9M head above water.
No question, the Raiders have holes and the fastest way in filling those holes is via free agency. But new GM Dave Ziegler also understands financials. Rarely, will you see him enter a bidding war for a coveted veteran.
Still, I see them making a couple of under-the-radar plays. Below is a list of three players who I believe may be on their wish list as the “legal tampering” window goes live starting March 14-16.
WR/RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson
Analysis: One of the most underrated players in this 2022 free-agent class, Patterson is an instant plug-and-play for majority of NFL teams. His rare blend of speed, power, and agility while being a triple-threat option as a team’s “Wide Back” is something that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
A four-time first-team All-Pro & three-time second-team All-Pro, Patterson could return to All-Pro form in 2022 while reuniting with GM Dave Ziegler and HC Josh McDaniels from his tenure in New England.
In 2021, Patterson racked up 1,166 scrimmage yards on 205 carries (5.7 avg.) en route to scoring 11 touchdowns (6 rushing + 5 receiving).
The sweetner would be his return ability as he can be the team’s primary kick returner while spelling WR Hunter Renfrow from time to time as a punt returner.
Valuation: 3-year, $15M ($5M APY)
Financial POV: Team can clear $2.75M from releasing RB Kenyan Drake
Downside: 30 years old (long-term deal unlikely)
OG Laken Tomlinson
Analysis: The 49ers have cornerstone franchise players to prioritize first--essentially making LT a lost cause. Both 2019 draft picks; DE Nick Bosa & WR Deebo Samuel will be topping $100M deals so unsure whether GM John Lynch will dip into the savings account to re-sign a Martin Mayhew guy (the one responsible for drafting LT in R1 while in DET).
That being said, look for the Raiders to potentially make a play for the 2015 1st-round pick (No. 28). At 6-3, 323, Tomlinson isn’t the most athletic guy and will whiff on some second-level blocks--still he’s sound in pass pro while also being a top-tier inline blocker.
Not to mention, LT was highly coveted by New England throughout the pre-draft process, even going as far as attending his Duke Pro Day, so Ziegler likely has him as a marked man with a Raider helmet.
Valuation: 3-year, $15M ($5M APY)
Financial POV: The 2022 draft is OL heavy, so LT may lose some leverage
Downside: 30 years old (long-term deal unlikely)
DT D.J. Jones
Analysis: Just like with Tomlinson, it appears that Jones played himself out of San Francisco. Something GM John Lynch alluded to during the NFL combine presser:
“If his objective is to stay here, he made it really hard,” Lynch told reporters at the NFL combine Wednesday. “I do think it's going to be challenging.”
This is a huge mistake. Lynch tried to roll the dice on DT Javon Kinlaw back in 2020 while first trading away their heart-and-soul DT DeForeset Buckner. I highly criticized that decision and the receipt checks out today.
Nothing against Kinlaw as he calls me his “biggest inspiration,” before deleting the tweet, but to think Kinlaw will be anything close to DeFo is fools gold.
Can lighting strike twice? Sure looks like it. Lynch has no choice but to place his trust in the oft-injured yet very talented first-round pick (No. 14) Kinlaw. He certainly has Pro Bowl potential but can he stay healthy enough to see that accolade come to fruition? Time will tell.
In any case, Jones will likely be playing elsewhere in 2022 and the Raiders can be an ideal fit.
The transition from a traditional 4-3 base to an odd-man front requires building the team from the inside/out. The Patriot Way has always been finding value in interior defensive lineman who can set the edge while rushing from the interior. Insert D.J.
Jones is not scheme-dependant but scheme-diverse. He can play multiple techniques along the line due to playing sound leverage at the POA. He knows when to box vs spill and rarely caught out of position.
From a 34 DT, you need to also generate pressure up front when called upon. That’s what makes 3-4 defenses great. The primary pressure rate applies primarily to the OLB but if you can have a DT who can shoot the gap or stunt/twist--that will create problems for the OL.
Jones can do all those things, which is why he will be highly coveted much like DT Javon Hargrave was back in 2020--when he left the Steelers for greener pastures in Philadelphia.
Valuation: 4-year, $30M ($7.5M APY)
Financial POV: The 2022 DT class is not strong, Jones may gain some leverage
Upside: 27 years old (long-term deal likely)