Three Potential Targets For The Raiders In Free Agency
The Raiders have overhauled their coaching staff for the upcoming season in what might be a last-ditch effort by GM Reggie McKenzie to keep his job after his experiment with Dennis Allen as head coach was an extraordinary disaster. In spite of the upgrade on the staff, the Raiders still have a lot of pieces missing on their roster. Fortunately, the Raiders will have cap room and money to spend for a free-agent period that is loaded with game-changing talent. Here are a few guys they should consider.
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT
Suh might be the most prized free agent in the class of 2015. He'll command a hefty price tag, and for good reason - he's the type of player that can singlehandedly anchor a defense from the trenches. Signing Suh would eat up a good chunk of the money that the Raiders have, so they will likely test the waters before ultimately taking a pass, but he's worth considering if they're looking for a quick turnaround.
2. Terrance Knighton, DT
Knighton, like Suh, is a force in the middle that can swallow up multiple blockers and free up lanes for Khalil Mack to do Khalil Mack things. Knighton will also be in high demand, but is not likely to carry quite as high of a price tag as Suh. He's also not been secretive about his feelings for Jack Del Rio - Knighton started his career under Del Rio in Jacksonville and followed him to Denver. It's not a stretch to think that the Raiders would have the inside track to sign Knighton.
3. Marshawn Lynch, RB
Lynch would be the big fish in this pond. While the Raiders have a lot of needs, and shoring up the defense would be great, adding Marshawn Lynch might be the single biggest thing the Raiders could do improve their prospects next year. Lynch grew up in Oakland and went to Cal, so his Bay Area ties run deep. Short of a dominant offensive line, a stud running back is the best thing they could do to support young QB Derek Carr. If the Seahawks don't retain Lynch, look at the Raiders as a potential landing spot.