Oakland Raiders: Top 5 Free Agent Defensive Tackles

The top five defensive tackles that the Oakland Raiders should target via free agency.

After a lackluster year on the defensive side of the ball, the Oakland Raiders need to vastly improve all levels of the defense.

The defensive tackle position is one spot that is up in the air at the moment. Sure, they were unable to get a consistent pass rush up the middle, but that was without a healthy Mario Edwards Jr. and Stacy McGee for a chunk of the year. If the Raiders re-sign McGee and develop Darius Latham, they might actually have a decent rotation up front.

Defensive tackle might not be the biggest need at the moment, but you should always look to upgrade your defense. Here are the top 5 free agent defensive tackles.

5. Tyson Alualu

After playing in Jacksonville for the first seven years of his career, Tyson Alualu is set to hit free agency, and could be a sneaky good pickup for any team.

In 2016, Alualu had 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. There is one stat that Alualu thrives in, and that is availability. Tyson has only missed two games in his entire career, and has started 87 out of a possible 110 games.

Clearly, the Raiders had some availability issues at the defensive tackle spot, and Alualu might be the player who could be used as a depth piece in case of injuries.

Tyson could also be an affordable option as the Raiders will probably not be very big spenders in free agency. He will be turning 30 years old before the season starts, so getting him on a one or two year deal would not be out of the question.

4. Dontari Poe

The Raiders have been known for stealing free agents from the Kansas City Chiefs, and although it will probably be a long-shot, maybe they should look at Dontari Poe.

Poe will most likely demand a big-time contract no matter where he goes. I am personally not the biggest fan of Poe, but he has proven to be a solid defensive tackle over the course of his career.

In 2016, Poe had somewhat of a down year, but he still accumulated 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Oh, and he also caught a touchdown pass, as well as throwing for a touchdown. It was pretty remarkable.

Although Poe would help out the defensive line, he most likely will not end up in Oakland simply because he will be demanding too much on the open market.

3. Sylvester Williams

Being a consistent starter for the Denver Broncos’ defense over the past three years, Sylvester Williams is another Bronco defender that will be a free agent.

In 2016, Williams had 29 tackles, and 1 sack. Sylvester is ranked a bit higher than the other two defensive tackles because he will be more affordable, and he is still only 28 years old. Spotrac has Williams’ market value around $4.5 million per year.

Although this is a lot more affordable, it will be interesting to see if Reggie McKenzie spends on another defensive tackle, as opposed to re-signing Stacy McGee.

2. Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley is one of the more intriguing names at the defensive tackle position. Coming off of a solid season in New Orleans in which he had 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks, Fairley might be just what the Raiders need.

Fairley was able to get some serious push up the middle, and became a disruptor for the Saints’ defense down the stretch.

Fairley is also an interesting prospect because he just turned 29 years old, and is in the middle of his prime. Being able to add Fairley to the middle of the Raiders’ defense next to Mario Edwards Jr. would have the potential to be very disruptive up the middle.

If Nick is willing to take a pay-cut, then me could end up in Silver and Black in 2017.

1. Brandon Williams

By far and away, Brandon Williams is the best defensive tackle in the 2017 free agency class. Although it would be very nice to be able to add someone of Williams’ caliber, I would find it highly unlikely.

In 2016, Williams racked up 51 tackles, and 1 sack. Williams was more known for his run-stopping ability, and was one of the reasons the Ravens had the #5 ranked run defense. This is one area the Raiders need to desperately improve upon.

What makes Brandon such a long-shot at this point would be that as of right now, Spotrac has Williams at a market value of $12.9 million. Not only is that out of the Raiders budget, but I am sure any Raiders fan would be upset with them spending $13 million per year on a defensive tackle, when you know you have to extend Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, and Gabe Jackson.

Although it would be nice, you can put Brandon Williams next to Dontari Poe as two of the most unlikely signings the Raiders make in 2017.

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