Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
With the Combine in the rear view window, the Raiders front office – along with every front office in the NFL is preparing for the free agency signing period that commences at the beginning of the new league year. Teams must file their franchise tags by March 2nd, and the full unrestricted free agency class will be set after that date. Teams can begin negotiations with unrestricted free agents beginning March 7th, and on March 10th, after minimum tenders and offer sheets have been submitted, signed, matched or not matched, the restricted and exclusive rights free agents will also either hit the market or remain with their teams, and the open free agency signing period will begin.
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The Raiders, coming off a 3-13 year, have a number of holes to fill or positions that could be improved upon. While Reggie McKenzie clearly favors the use of the draft to fill positions, he is more than willing to go into free agency to find players he believes he can plug in and play immediately if a draft pick needs more time to develop. With the largest available cap room of any NFL team going into the open signing period, Reggie can spend plenty of money – indeed, he must, as he must get the franchise up to the NFL’s salary “floor,” which is 89% of the cap.
The Raiders will be looking at free agents during the open market period potentially for every position group, save for punter and placekicker – whether to fill a vacancy, improve upon an incumbent, or add depth to a position group. Here are some players for each position to keep an eye on going into the signing period next month.
Next: 2015 FA Watch List: Quarterback