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Oakland Raiders: 5 free safeties to target in 2018 NFL free agency

By John Buhler

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 10: Safety Tre Boston No. 33 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up for the game against the Washington Redskins on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 10: Safety Tre Boston No. 33 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up for the game against the Washington Redskins on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 04: Eddie Pleasant No. 35 of the Houston Texans defends a pass intended for Jared Cook No. 89 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field on December 4, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 04: Eddie Pleasant No. 35 of the Houston Texans defends a pass intended for Jared Cook No. 89 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field on December 4, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

51. . FS. Los Angeles Rams. Lamarcus Joyner. 1. player

Easily the best free agent free safety in the 2018 class is Lamarcus Joyner of the Los Angeles Rams. The then St. Louis Rams drafted Joyner in the second round out of Florida State. He has gotten better every year with the organization. He is primed to make bank this spring. Maybe that won’t be with the Rams?

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The issue with the Rams is that they have to figure what they are doing with their twice-franchise tagged cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Johnson is a top-15 cornerback, but he’s not worth top-five money. It was strange to see general manager Les Snead slap him with the tag twice. It could prove to be a costly decision, as it might allow a younger player in Joyner to walk out the door.

At 27 years old, Joyner is entering his prime as a defensive back. He could be worth significant money for the Raiders on a four-year deal. With a guy like Guenther coaching the defense, Joyner could be a Pro Bowler for sure before he hits free agency again. Just look at how much he progressed in his first year with Wade Phillips in 2017.

Next: Raiders: 5 RBs to target in 2018 NFL free agency

It is clear that Joyner would be an upgrade over Nelson, but will have to be paid handsomely for his services. The Raiders could get into a bidding war for Joyner, but he is one of only a handful of free agents that are worth paying a premium for. The guy was a technician in the Los Angeles secondary. He could go a long way in helping turn around this bad Raiders secondary.

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