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

By Kevin Saito

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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Oct 25, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is defended by Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) during NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Williams

Williams did not have the best season in 2015. Coming off three straight seasons in which he recorded double digit sacks, Williams posted a meager total of five sacks last season. Of course, to hear him tell it, it’s not because he’s getting older and his game is slipping. It’s because there was a new coach in place and they were using him in ways that did not play to his strengths.

And if you look at some of the Bills games from last season, you’d see that there might just be something to that. Throughout his career, Williams has always been a pin the ears back and get after the quarterback. But in Buffalo’s new system under DC Dennis Thurman, Williams wasn’t being allowed to do that. He was being asked to cover backs out of the backfield and other things he’s just not able to do – has never really been able to do.

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But as a pure quarterback rusher, Williams could be a very good add to the Raiders’ defensive line. With Justin Tuck’s retirement and the status of Mario Edwards Jr. up in the air thanks to his neck injury, the Raiders need somebody on the end who can put some serious pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Throughout his career, Williams has shown that he can do just that.

Adding Williams would not only put another big, speed body on the edge, but it would also give the team a veteran presence. As with everything though, it’s going to come down to the price tag. At 31 years old, don’t expect McKenzie to be willing to pay Williams top dollar. But if he can get the veteran to come in at a team friendly deal, he would add some real punch to that defensive front.

Next: A Career Revival?

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