The Raiders Will Spend $15+ Million on One Free Agent
With $75+ million to spend this offseason, it’s very likely that the Raiders will try to go after some of the bigger fish in the market. However, even with the bright lights of Las Vegas looming, it’s very hard to lure a top free agent to a losing team. That being said, if the right FA opens up, it’s likely Gruden would be willing to overpay for him.
On the offensive side of the ball, the only player potentially worth $15 million a year is the aforementioned Le’Veon Bell. However, Todd Gurley, arguably the best running back in the NFL just signed a deal that maxes out at a $14.2 million cap hit. Giving Bell a contract that size would be unprecedented and seems highly unlikely for the Raiders.
At quarterback, Nick Foles and potentially Teddy Bridgewater will likely garner $15+ million contracts, but it’s unlikely the Raiders sign either. Top wide receiver Devin Funchess as well as top tight end Jared Cook seem unlikely to make $15+ million as well. Only three offensive lineman – Taylor Lewan, Nate Solder and Jake Matthews make $15 million or more a year. It’s unlikely a lineman for this year’s class earns that type of money.
However, while the offensive side of the ball is unlikely to see a contract of that magnitude, the defensive side is a different story. Three names that immediately stand out are Chiefs’ linebacker Dee Ford, Texans’ linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and Cowboys’ defensive end Demarcus Lawrence.
Ford had a breakout 2018 that helped put him on the map. In 16 starts the linebacker amassed 55 total tackles with 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Ford tied for the league lead in FF while his 13 sacks ranked tied for eighth best. He was voted to his first Pro Bowl. While Ford’s 2018 season is what will get him paid, he has shown potential in the past, making 10 sacks in 2016. There’s a good chance the Chiefs end up franchise tagging one of their best defenders, especially after proving how explosive their offense can be. However, if Ford is able to hit the open market, the Raiders should do everything they can to bring his pass rush prowess to Oakland. Ford could try to cash in big after his breakout year, something the Raiders could accommodate.
Clowney’s 2018 season again proved that he can stay healthy for a majority of the year. After battling serious injuries his first two seasons, Clowney has now appeared in at least 14 games the past three years, thrice being nominated to the Pro Bowl. In 2018, the Texans’ defender made 47 combined tackles with nine sacks. He now has at least nine sacks the past two seasons. Like Ford, there is a good chance the Texans end up franchise tagging Clowney. It’s rare a young talent like him hits the market. However, if he doesn’t end up getting tagged, he is the perfect piece for the Raiders to build their defense around. For what it’s worth, Bleacher Report recently predicted Clowney would end up in Oakland.
Lawrence may be the most likely of the three to make it to free agency. After playing under the franchise tag in 2018, there’s a chance he threatens hold out if he is tagged again. If the Cowboys take his claims seriously they’ll either have to lock him up to a long-term deal or watch him walk away. If the latter becomes a reality, Lawrence could be the juice the Raiders’ pass rush needs. In 2018, Lawrence made 64 total tackles with 10.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. In 2017, he made 58 tackles with 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He’s made the Pro Bowl both seasons. Lawrence is a young proven pass rusher, exactly what the Raiders need. If he hits free agency, he could become Gruden’s top target.
Whether it be Ford, Clowney, Lawrence or any other free agent, the Raiders are likely to overspend for at least one player. While they’ll try to build through the draft, the Oakland Raiders’ 2019 defense will feature one 2018 stud with a shiny new contract.
