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Oakland Raiders: What to do with the 2019 free agents

By Brad Weiss

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch out-of-bounds in front of defensive back Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch out-of-bounds in front of defensive back Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Defense

Rashaan Melvin, Cornerback

The veteran cornerback was brought in to be a starter alongside Gareon Conley at the position this season, but it has not gone the way the player, or team would have hoped. Rashaan Melvin saw his starting job taken away from him, has gotten into it with the media with head coach Jon Gruden, and is seemingly going to be a one-and-done player in the Silver and Black.

Opinion: Try to bring him back, but he is walking

Marcus Gilchrist, Safety

Another veteran defensive back who was brought in to help bolster a serious deficiency on this Raiders defense, Marcus Gilchrist has played well in spurts for the Silver and Black. However, he is not someone who is going to be considered part of the long-term plan for the Raiders, and will likely be shown the door after one season in Oakland.

Opinion: Let him walk

Reggie Nelson, Safety

The old man is likely playing his last season with the Raiders, that is unless defensive coordinator Paul Guenther decides to bring him back for his 400th NFL season. Reggie Nelson just does not have enough talent to get the job done on a weekly basis at this point in his career, and having him play so many snaps has really hurt the Raiders in 2018.

Opinion: Let him walk

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