Oakland Raiders: Big names to target during 2019 NFL free agency

Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Watching Le’Veon Bell‘s market develop will be like watching a reality TV show. Everyone knows the type of talent he brings to the running back position, both as a runner and receiver. At the same time, he’s also been away from the field for a year now after holding out for the entire 2018 season.

Still, there will be plenty of interest for the former Pittsburgh Steelers back. The big question now is how much money he’ll demand, and how much potential suitors will want to pay for his services. Chances are the two numbers won’t be much of a match.

And yet, if a bidding war ensues, the Raiders stand a decent chance of being among the finalists.

Not only do they boast plenty of cap space, but Gruden has a knack for targeting versatile backs. The Raiders community as a whole has already accepted the very likely possibility of a potential pairing with Bell, who would be a significant upgrade over Marshawn Lynch heading into 2019.

It’s easy to imagine how happy Derek Carr would be with a running back like Bell on the roster. Not only would it take pressure off the passing game to produce all of the points, but it would also provide him with a playmaking receiver out of the backfield. The Oakland offense would immediately be upgraded tenfold with Bell in town.

If there’s any shotcaller willing to spend big on Bell, it’s Gruden.