Raiders: Letter grades for every 2020 free agent signing so far

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a number of additions so far in free agency. Let’s take a look and assign a letter grade for each signing so far.

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2020 free agency period with over $50 million in available cap space. After the first few days of the legal tampering period, they have certainly done their best to make a splash.

As of Wednesday, March 18th, the franchise agreed to terms with a whopping seven players. They also still have a reported $29.7 million in cap space left to spend.

Here are analysis and letter grades for every Raiders signing so far.

*Jerry McDonald is reporting that the Raiders have agreed to a deal with free-agent cornerback Eli Apple*

The defensive line

The franchise’s defense was a major weakness in 2019. The team ranked a lowly 19th in yards allowed per game (354.81) and 24th in points allowed (26.19 per game). In all honestly, this was an over-achievement considering the roster’s level of talent.

However, it appears as though the days of trotting out an outmatched unit of defenders is nearing an end. The Raiders’ made impressive additions to their defensive line by signing former Buccaneers pass-rusher Carl Nassib and former Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins.

Nassib has been a solid force in the NFL since his debut in 2016. He has averaged over six sacks and 12 QB hits per year over the past two seasons.

He is also versatile enough to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. Nassib is a great addition, but his three-year, $25 million deal may leave him a little overpaid.

Collins has a similar profile. He has averaged 3.6 sacks and 10 QB hits since his 2016 debut. He also had a career-high 30 QB pressures last season.

While Collins is outside the group of elite interior pass rushers, he should provide solid play from the defensive tackle position in 2020 and beyond.

These two additions, in combination with incumbent starters Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, will give the team a formidable pass rush and defensive line.

Carl Nassib: B

Maliek Collins: B+ (pending contract details)