As OTA’s open up today, the Raiders have done an excellent job adding veteran presences to their secondary and linebacking core. However, the defensive line remains very young. Signing a veteran at defensive tackle could help take the line to the next level — specifically new free agent Gerald McCoy, who was released Monday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It has seemed all offseason that the Bucs and McCoy were heading towards a divorce and the split finally happened Monday. With his $13 million cap number, the Bucs may be poised to cut him and open up some more room. Tthe Raiders could probably sign him much cheaper than his current number.
McCoy somewhat regressed in 2018 after six straight Pro Bowl seasons, but still amassed six sacks. He has at least six takedowns the past six seasons with at least seven from 2013-2016. He received an above average grade of 78.6 from PFF for his 2018 efforts.
According to Pro Football Focus, McCoy has earned overall grades north of 70.0 in six-of-nine professional seasons, and he is one of only 11 interior defensive linemen who has notched at least 35 quarterback pressures in each of the last three years. He ranks ninth at the position in total wins above replacement (WAR) since entering the league in 2010 and 14th in the same metric since 2016.
The Raiders need to do everything they can to improve on the abysmal 13 sacks they mustered last season. McCoy has proven time and time again that he has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Sliding him next to sophomore Maurice Hurst would be beneficial to not just the defense but the development of the former Michigan Wolverine.
McCoy wouldn’t cost too much and likely wouldn’t be signed for more than two or three years. Both would give the Raiders a veteran presence at DT while allowing Hurst to grow. As Oakland looks to improve their sack totals, McCoy could do just the trick.
The Raiders did make another move in free agency Tuesday, signing former Colts and Saints tight end Erik Swoope to a one-year deal.
