Why the Oakland Raiders Should Sign Elvis Dumervil
The Oakland Raiders are clearly doing some serious housecleaning right now.
After cutting talented cornerback Michael Huff and letting key players like Philip Wheeler, Matt Shaughnessy, and Desmond Bryant sign with other teams, the Raiders’ defensive squad is a bit depleted.
Filling the holes of their defense won’t be an easy task, but it must be done eventually.
Sept 12, 2011; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
With NFL free agency in full swing, the Raiders have a lot of options to look at. Guys like Charles Woodson, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Darrelle Revis are all looking for a new home, but the Raiders should have somebody else on their minds: Elvis Dumervil.
The deal could even turn out to be perfect destiny. Last week, Dumervil was set to be released by the Denver Broncos due to the fact that they just didn’t want to pay him so much money. It was reported that the two sides had eventually agreed on a restructured contract, one that would have paid him $8 million in 2013. However, Dumervil’s agent did not get the paperwork faxed to the team until seven minutes after the NFL deadline on Friday, which resulted in the Broncos releasing Dumervil to avoid paying him $12 million in 2013.
Are the signs lining up for the Oakland Raiders? Were those seven minutes a blessing in disguise?
I sure hope so.
Dumervil, a six-year veteran who has played with the Broncos his entire career, would be a perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders. After losing two of their best defensive ends in Desmond Bryant and Matt Shaughnessy, Dumervil would enter a defensive squad with his position wide open.
At 29 years old, Dumervil still has a lot of football left in his NFL career. He would be able to establish himself as the anchor on a struggling Oakland defense, and would also pair up with his former defensive coordinator in Denver, current Raiders head coach Dennis Allen.
Allen transformed a Denver defense that ranked dead last in about every key category in 2010 to a much more efficient one in 2011. It would only be fitting for Allen and Dumervil to synergize together and make Raiders fans happy again in 2013.
Aside from his relationship with Allen and being able to immediately fill in the hole at defensive end, Elvis Dumervil is a sheer beast on the football field.
As if missing only five games during his first six seasons doesn’t impress you enough, you’re in for a treat.
Dumervil has collected 63.5 sacks during his young NFL career, including his league-leading 17 takedowns in 2009. The fourth-round draft pick out of Louisville has also forced 16 fumbles, and has recovered a total of nine.
With so many gaping holes in the Raiders’ defense, Dumervil would surely fill one of them. The Raiders would finally be able to come after opposing quarterbacks with an elite pass rusher, an aspect that would lighten the load for the rest of the defense.
He would also be able to mentor and teach the young guys on the Raiders roster a thing or two about getting after the opponent. Dumervil’s leadership and experience will play an invaluable part in developing the skills of the younger players on the squad.
The Raiders need to fill the holes on their roster somehow, whether its the NFL Draft, free agency, or a trade. Signing Elvis Dumervil only makes perfect sense, and it will be interesting to see how the whole situation plays out.