Oakland Raiders: 5 defensive back targets in 2018 NFL free agency

It’s only fitting that the Raiders would be wiling to gamble on a boom or bust type of player like New York Jets cornerback Morris Claiborne. During his first few years in the league, Claiborne was seen as a bust with the Dallas Cowboys. However, he did play well for America’s Team in 2016 and continued that with the Jets in 2017.

Given that Todd Bowles is a defensive back coach by trade, he may not want to see a key piece in his on-the-rise secondary walk out of MetLife after just one year. Could the Jets pay a premium to bring back Claiborne? Sure, but he will garner other offers from across the league, including the Raiders.

What helps the Raiders in being able to land a guy like Claiborne is that he won’t be the first, second or maybe even third highest-paid cornerback during this free agency cycle. Obviously, the Raiders will have to pay more than they would want to land him, but we’re not looking at Trumaine Johnson, Richard Sherman or Malcolm Butler level money to sign him.

Of course, this potential signing could totally blow up in the Raiders’ face. Then again, Guenther has done a fine job with what is usually a very strong defense in Cincinnati. The Bengals are never poor in one area of their defense. It will be interesting to see what free agents would fit schematically in Guenther’s defense. Maybe Claiborne dons the Silver and Black in 2018?