Sign Defensive End Robert Quinn
Obviously signing another high-end free agent or making a high-profile trade would immediately boost the Raiders’ playoff chances. However, it’s important to be realistic as to what they actually might do. Signing another former Cowboy in the form of Robert Quinn makes sense for all parties.
As mentioned earlier in this piece, Quinn’s former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is likely the next defensive line coach of the Raiders. Due to the success Quinn had under Marinelli in 2019, it might make sense for the defensive lineman to meet back up in Las Vegas.
Now of course, Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby are the two likely starters at defensive end in 2020. One was the fourth overall pick in the draft whereas the other over-performed in 2019 and amassed 10 sacks.
That being said, that doesn’t mean the Raiders shouldn’t add more firepower to their pass-rushing room.
Last season the Raiders racked up 32 sacks, which was a huge improvement from their 19 in 2018. However, the team still ranked just 25th in the league in that department. If the Raiders want to increase their sack total again in 2020, Quinn is the kind of player who could fit that bill.
In 2019, Quinn played and started 14 games for the Cowboys, racking up 11.5 sacks. His sack total ranked tied for ninth in the NFL.
Quinn has been in the NFL for nine seasons. In every year in which he has played at least 10 games, Quinn has racked up at least five sacks. His 11.5 in 2019 were only second to the unworldly 19 he put up in 2013.
Quinn earned $8 million from the Cowboys last season, so fans should expect a contract around that area in 2020. While that number could go up due to this strong play, it shouldn’t be much higher than $10 million. It will undoubtedly be lower than players such as Jadeveon Clowney, Bud Dupree and Matt Judon.
The former Cowboy fits in perfectly into the defensive end rotation. As Crosby and Ferrell mature, Quinn could help mentor them while providing positive stats. At just 30, he has plenty of gas left to make a difference on the field while allowing the Raiders’ young studs to grow.
Quinn would be reuniting with his old coach on an up-and-coming team in a brand new city in a world class stadium. The Raiders would be getting a solid veteran pass rusher to pair with two risers a the position.
If Las Vegas wants to improve their sack total, there might not be a better option value-wise.
