Raiders free agency: If still spending big, who are the targets?
The Raiders’ results in free agency in recent years suggest a more measured approach in 2021, especially in a year where 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 you factor 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 which could be created should they part with Marcus Mariota or negotiate an extension with starting quarterback Derek Carr.
A pair last year’s free agent contracts, linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, had their contracts restructured to create another $7 million-plus in space to five 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), Daryl Williams (Bills), Cam Fleming (Giants), Riley Reiff (Vikings), Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs)
Dream deal: Williams (four years, $44 million)
Defensive tackle
Who's here: Maurice Hurst, Niles Scott, Kendal Vickers
Raiders free agents: Johnathan Hankins, 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
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 Quin n
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.
Daylight saving time will begin on Sunday, March 14, at 2 a.m. in those areas of the U.S. that recognize daylight saving time. This is when clocks are set ahead one hour.
Along with changing your clocks, it's a good time to make a home safety checklist. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries if needed. It's also a good time to refresh your home first-aid kit, check for expired medication, and ensure your family has a plan in case of illness or an emergency.
Dr. Casey Clements, an emergency medicine physician at Mayo Clinic, says while COVID-19 infections are beginning to decrease due to widespread safety protocols and rollouts of COVID-19 vaccines, it's important to stay vigilant and be prepared.
“Having a plan for what you would do if you or your family gets infected is incredibly important. And that's having a plan for how would you get food? Do you have medications on hand? Do you have the ability to take care of yourself with the things that you need?”watch: Dr. Casey Clements discusses emergency planning during COVID-19.
“Any prescription medications that a patient has, they want to make sure they have an adequate supply,” says Dr. Clements. “And if you have COVID-19, it's not like you can run out to the pharmacy, as you would be putting people at risk. Along with any prescriptions, I am a strong advocate that people should always have ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or both.”
A fever may be a sign of illness and a common symptom of COVID-19 infection. Dr. Clements says having a working thermometer in your home can help you know if your temperature is elevated.
“It is very common that people come to the Emergency Department and say they have a fever, and they don't have a thermometer and haven't had a way to measure that. It is helpful as a way to take care of yourself to know if you do have elevated temperature.”basic firstaid supplies and medications include:
• A thermometer. • Adhesive tape.
• Elastic wrap bandages. • Bandage strips and bandages in assorted sizes.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Hand sanitizer. • Antibiotic ointment. • Antiseptic solution and towelettes.
• Anti-diarrheal medication.
• Laxatives.
• Antacids.
If you are having a medical emergency, Dr.
Clements says do not hesitate to seek immediate care.
“It's really important to understand that the Emergency Department is here for when people need it. And they shouldn't hesitate to come in for an emergency.”
Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.
For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.