Oakland Raiders Free Agency Preview: Five Must Sign Players
By Austin Gayle
Danny Trevathan
Danny Trevathan, 25, is another Denver Broncos player that should have an opportunity to test the market come free agency, and given the Raiders pressing need at linebacker, Oakland should pursue him in the coming weeks.
Though Trevathan has had a great deal of success playing alongside Brandon Marshall as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, he has experience at both outside linebacker and middle linebacker in 4-3 defensive packages. Though he would likely play outside linebacker in Oakland, his versatility could push him inside if Del Rio believes he can excel in a middle linebacker role. Trevathan would replace projected starter Lorenzo Alexander at outside linebacker opposite of Malcolm Smith.
“They (Trevathan and Brandon Marshall) are both stellar linebackers who can do it all: pass coverage and run stuffing,” Mile High Report’s Michael Sadarine said, via SilverandBlackPride.com. “They have been used as WLB and MLB at different times in the 4-3 and this year have looked downright awesome as ILBs in the Broncos’ one gap 3 – 4 scheme. Their lateral quickness is THE biggest plus they bring to the table. It really limits the horizontal play of most teams. They both read and diagnose plays well too and don’t often get caught biting too bad on misdirection plays.”
In 15 games in 2015, Trevathan accumulated 109 tackles (73 solo), four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Trevathan also added on 22 tackles (16 solo) in Denver’s postseason run to Super Bowl 50.
Del Rio does have a connection to Trevathan due to his previous experience in Denver, which could play a leading role in Oakland signing Trevathan, but Chicago Bears head coach John Fox should also play that card given his experience with Trevathan in Denver.
Trevathan would have a substantial impact on Oakland’s defense both in coverage and in run support, two areas that the Raiders have visibly struggled in recent years. Trevathan is projected to earn over $6 million annually in 2016.
Next: Five Must Sign Free Agents