5 Reasons the Oakland Raiders Can Win the AFC West

3. Smart off-season signings

The Raiders have had a sketchy off-season history. Not too long ago, it seemed as if the Raiders would throw a crap load of money at some washed up star or an unproven player looking to get a big check. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest free agent flops for the Raiders’ in recent memory:

• Javon Walker signed a 6 year, $55 million deal in 2008, with $16 million guaranteed. Walker would go on to catch 15 passes for 196 yards in that season.
• The Raiders signed Saints QB Aaron Brooks to a deal in 2006. In his first start in the Bay Area, he was sacked 9 times in a 27-0 shellacking at the hands of the Chargers. He threw 3 TDs and 8 Int while posting an abysmal 61.7 QB rating that season.
• And of course, how could our older readers forget about the back-to-whiffs on Larry Brown and Desmond Howard in 1996 & 1997 respectively.

Dark times, I know. I apologize for re-opening up some old wounds. But look how far the Raiders organization has come. Oakland is now a free agent destination. Potential free agents can see a bright future with young, future stars such as Khalil Mack and Derek Carr. The Raiders had an excellent off-season, filling some major holes that have haunted the Raiders in recent seasons.

• As mentioned before, the signing of Sean Smith is a huge upgrade in the secondary, giving the Raiders a true #1 corner.
• The Raiders made Kelechi Osemele the richest guard in the NFL by signing him to a five year, $58 million deal with $25.4 guaranteed. His presence should immediately improve the Raiders stale running game while propelling the Raiders’ O-line to the top of the league.
• The signing of former Seahawk Bruce Irvin gives Khalil Mack a needed co-star in the pass rush which should also help the Raiders in run defense.