Raiders free agency: If still spending big, who are targets?
The Raiders’ results in free agency in recent years suggest a more measured approach in 2021, especially in a year in which the salary cap is down some $16 million because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But they’ve gotten themselves plenty of room for maneuverability under the $182.5 million cap — more than $30 million when factoring in the reported release of guard Gabe Jackson and the pending trade of tackle Trent Brown to New England.
And that doesn’t even take into account more space that could be created should they part with Marcus Mariota or negotiate an extension with starting quarterback Derek Carr.
Two of last year’s free agents, linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, had their contracts restructured to create another $7 million-plus in space to give the Raiders more than $37 million in terms of cap space, NFL Media reported Thursday.
(Note to Raider Nation — an extension with Carr which ties them to their starting quarterback further into the future is more liable to happen then some sort of pipe-dream deal to bring in Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson).
If funds are released by owner Mark Davis, it’s conceivable coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock will be part of a time-honored Las Vegas tradition and chase their losses rather than play it more conservatively.
After the last two years of big money free agency flubs during their collaboration atop the Raiders’ personnel department, it’s got to be tempting to play the odds and assume they’ll hit on a few this year.
If that’s the case, a look at what’s available in free agency with the negotiating period starting Monday with signings able to actually occur two days later:
Defensive end/edge
WHO’S HERE >> Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, Carl Nassib, Arden Key, David Irving, Takk McKinley, Kendal Vickers, Gerri Green
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Chris Smith, Vic Beasley
FIVE OUT THERE >> Shaquil Barrett (Bucs), Yannick Ngakoue (Ravens), Carl Lawson (Bengals), Romeo Okwara (Lions), Haason Reddick (Cardinals).
DREAM DEAL >> Reddick (three years, $32 million)
Safety
WHO’S HERE >> Johnathan Abram, Jeff Heath, Dallin Leavitt
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Erik Harris
FIVE OUT THERE >> Anthony Harris (Vikings), John Johnson III (Rams), Keanu Neal (Falcons), Malik Hooker (Colts),
DREAM DEAL >> Johnson (four years, $42
million) Guard
WHO’S HERE >> John Simpson, Erik Magnuson, Lester Cotton, Gabe Jackson-x RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Denzelle Good,
Richie Incognito
FIVE OUT THERE >> Joe Thuney (Patriots), Kevin Zeitler (Giants), Jon Feliciano (Bills), Kyle Long (Bears), Forrest Lamp (Chargers).
DREAM DEAL >> Long (two years, $15 million)
Offensive tackle
WHO’S HERE >> Kolton Miller, Brandon Parker, Jaryd Smith-Jones, Kamaal Seymour, Trent Brown-y
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Sam Young
FIVE OUT THERE >> Alejandro Villanueva (Steelers), Cam Fleming (Giants), Riley Reiff (Vikings), Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs), Kelvin Beachum (Cardinals)
DREAM DEAL >> Schwartz (one year, $8 million)
Defensive tackle
WHO’S HERE >> Maurice Hurst, Niles Scott, Kendal Vickers
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Maliek Collins,
FIVE OUT THERE >> Sheldon Rankins (Saints), Ndamukong Suh (Bucs), Shelby Harris (Broncos), Kawann Short (Panthers), DaQuon Jones (Titans)
DREAM DEAL >> Rankins (three years, $34 million)
Cornerback
Johnathan Hankins,
WHO’S HERE >> Trayvon Mullen, Damon Arnette, Amik Robertson, Isaiah Johnson, Keisean Nixon, Kemah Siverand, Rashaan Gaulden
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Nevin Lawson, Daryl Worley, D.J. Killings
FIVE OUT THERE >> William Jackson III (Bengals), Shaquil Griffin (Seahawks), Richard Sherman (49ers), Jason Verrett (49ers), Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
DREAM DEAL >> Sherman (two years, $8 million)
Wide receiver
WHO’S HERE >> Hunter Renfrow, Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Keelan Doss, Marcell Ateman, Trey Quinn
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Nelson Agholor, Zay Jones
FIVE OUT THERE >> Kenny Golladay (Lions), JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers), Marvin Jones Jr. (Lions), Emmanuel Sanders (Saints), Curtis Samuel (Panthers)
DREAM DEAL >> Jones (two years, $20 million)
Linebacker
WHO’S HERE >> Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, Tanner Muse, Asmar Bilal, James Onwualu
RAIDERS FREE AGENTS >> Nicholas Morrow, Raekwon McMillan, Kyle Wilber
FIVE OUT THERE >> K.J. Wright (Seahawks), Jayon Brown (Titans), Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins), Christian Kirksey (Packers), Avery Williamson (Steelers)
DREAM DEAL >> Wright (two years, $18 million)
x — Jackson is on the Raiders’ roster but reportedly will be released in advance of free agency
y — Brown is on the Raiders’ roster but a team source confirmed he is expected to be dealt to New England when trades can consummated on March 17