Oakland Raiders: Top 5 free agent targets still available
By Justin Fried
Even as the end of May is approaching, the Oakland Raiders could still look at a number of veteran names in free agency to help beef up their roster for 2019.
Time may be running out with OTA’s already in progress, but there still remains a sizable chunk of free agents who could help contribute on NFL rosters. The Oakland Raiders are no different and could certainly use some extra veteran presence.
Besides, head coach Jon Gruden and company have had a knack for bringing aboard veteran players past their prime over the past two years meaning that free agency in May is ideal for a team shopping spree.
Partially kidding of course but in reality, there’s nothing wrong with adding a few veteran names late in the spring to help fill out the roster. Some of these players could simply serve as depth pieces while others could legitimately earn sizable playing time come the fall.
Obviously, it’s unrealistic for the Raiders to sign each of these players, but with just over $29 million still left in cap space, it’s certainly reasonable for them to go out and hand a contract to one or two of them. At the very least, they should each be targets.
With that, let’s take a look at five remaining free agents who should be targets for the Raiders.
5. Derrick Morgan, DE
It’s no secret that the Raiders need some pass rush help. And even after completely revamping their pass rush unit through the draft and free agency, there’s still a noticeable hole at one of the defensive end spots.
As such, the Raiders would be wise to take advantage of the opportunity to bring in a couple of veteran pass rushers who have had previous success in the league. One of those players is former Tennessee Titans edge rusher Derrick Morgan.
At 30-years-old, Morgan is undoubtedly well past his prime. But that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute as a situational pass rusher coming off the bench.
The 2010 first-round draft pick totaled nine sacks in 2016 and followed that up with a 7.5-sack showing in 2017 before completing falling off in 2018. Morgan managed only a half-sack in 12 games started which was far and away the lowest total of his career.
Still, Morgan battled some nagging injuries in 2018 and could be a prime candidate for a bounce-back campaign if all goes according to plan. Morgan has primarily played in a stand-up outside linebacker role during his time in the NFL but could very well move back to the defensive end role he played while at Georgia Tech — especially as old age has curbed his athleticism a bit.
There’s nothing wrong with having too many pass rushers and the Raiders could perhaps find a diamond in the rough with this former Tennessee Titans standout.