Oakland Raiders: Free Agents The Team Should Make A Run At This Offseason

Sep 30, 2014; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at a press conference to introduce Tony Sparano (not pictured) as Raiders interim coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2014; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at a press conference to introduce Tony Sparano (not pictured) as Raiders interim coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) recovers a fumble against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) during the third quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

Danny Trevathan

It’s somewhat surprising that the Denver Broncos are letting Trevathan walk way. But then, the economic realities of today’s NFL all but guarantee that no team is going to be able to keep all of their key pieces in place. And that’s what Trevathan has been for Denver the last four seasons – a key piece of their defense.

Given the disaster that Curtis Lofton has been in Oakland thus far – hey, 2016 is a new year, maybe he’ll regain his form, huh? – the team has a need for an inside linebacker who can play both the run and the pass equally as well. That is something that Trevathan has shown in his brief time in the NFL that he can do very, very well. And he’s shown that he has the skill and ferocity to be the sort of inside linebacker Del Rio and Norton need in their defense.

There are likely going to be a number of suitors lining up to secure Trevathan’s services. Atlanta is rumored to be the most likely landing spot. Which means the Raiders are going to face some stiff competition in the race to land him. Which means that McKenzie is going to have to pony up if he wants to see Trevathan in a Silver and Black jersey.

Trevathan would put some teeth in Oakland’s linebackers group. Though Ben Heeney and Neiron Ball have showed some promise and do some things exceptionally well – and should have a spot in the rotation – the Raiders need an every down linebacker who can defend the run and pass equally as well.

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