Oakland Raiders: Big names to target during 2019 NFL free agency
Frank Clark, DE, Seattle Seahawks
It’s no secret the Raiders need a major upgrade at defensive end. Right now, they’ve simply been incapable of creating pressure off the edge, as evidenced by their league-worst 13 sacks on the season. Finding a proven talent at defensive end will be imperative for Gruden and Co.
More from Las Vegas Raiders News
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
- Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
- Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
- Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots
The focus has recently been on who the Raiders could draft with their earliest 2019 first-round pick. It makes sense, seeing as Oakland will likely own a Top 5 pick, with which they could potentially land an elite prospect like Nick Bosa or Ed Oliver. However, the conversation is overlooking the fact that free agency is also an option.
One player who could garner plenty of interest on the open market is Frank Clark, the Seattle Seahawks’ explosive young edge rusher. Through his first four seasons, he’s racked up 34 sacks and has quietly come on as one of the NFL’s most disruptive ends. If he were to sign with Oakland, he’d immediately take over as the defensive centerpiece.
Although landing a top defensive end via free agency won’t be cheap, it’s not like the Raiders don’t have the cap space to get it done. If Gruden latches on to a particular player, I’m sure he has the influence to throw whatever money is necessary at said player.
If it’s a defensive end, Clark stands a good shot at being the guy to get the monster deal thrown his way.