Sign One of Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh
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.
It has seemed all offseason that the Bucs and Gerald McCoy are heading towards a divorce. With his $13 million cap number, the Bucs may be poised to cut him and open up some more room. If so, the 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.
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.
While certainly not the first option, if McCoy remains with the Bucs, free agent Ndamukong Suh would be a solid Plan B.
Suh appeared in all 16 games for the Rams last season, making four and half sacks. He has at least four sacks every year of his nine-year career. Suh’s play has definitely waned over the years, but he is just two years removed from being a Pro Bowl player with the Dolphins.
Suh shined in 2018 according to PFF, earning a good 82.6 rating. The site called him an immediate impact free agent, siting his ability to pressure the quarterback.
Like McCoy, Suh would be able to slide right in next to Hurst and provide the Raiders with another veteran pass rusher. He may not have the greatest reputation in the league, but he proved during the Rams’ Super Bowl run that he could still be an effective play-maker.
Both Suh and 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 or Suh could do just the trick.
