Oakland Raiders: Free Agents The Team Should Make A Run At This Offseason
By Kevin Saito
Okay, so technically speaking, Vernon’s not a free agent. However, the Dolphins inexplicably used the transition tag on Vernon, which allows him to work a deal with another team. Did they learn nothing from the Charles Clay experience last year?
Yes, the Dolphins have the right to match any offer sheet he signs, but the Raiders are in a position to outbid the Dolphins for his services.
Live Feed
Phin Phanatic
Of course, the beginning of negotiations for Vernon will start at $12.7 million – the price of the transition tag for the 2016 season. Given the expected cash McKenzie will be laying out for upgrades at other positions – ahem, cornerback – he might balk at getting into a bidding war with other teams like the Jaguars and Giants who are expected to be throwing cash at Vernon.
But it could be an investment well worth it. At just 25 years old, Vernon could be a smart long term investment – one that when paired with Khalil Mack, could be terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for some years to come.
Over his first four seasons as a pro, Vernon has racked up 188 tackles and 29 sacks. Vernon notched just three and a half sacks in his rookie season though he didn’t start a game. In the three seasons he’s been a starter, Vernon has notched 11.5, 6.5, and 7.5 sacks.
Can you picture a defense that stars Mack, Vernon, and hopefully a rejuvenated Aldon Smith when he returns? Add in Justin Ellis, Dan Williams, and Malcolm Smith, among others, and it would be one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the NFL.
The price tag will be high, but it’s one that McKenzie should seriously consider ponying up for. Adding Vernon to this defense would make go a long way toward building that bully Del Rio spoke about.
Next: A Wily Old Vet