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Free agents that address the Oakland Raiders needs

By Jose Sanchez III

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 30: Running back Latavius Murray #28 of the Oakland Raiders is brought down by middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 30: Running back Latavius Murray #28 of the Oakland Raiders is brought down by middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /

Middle Linebacker

Kwon Alexander

If you want fast and reactive traits in your linebacker, then look no further. Kwon Alexander has a nose for the ball. His play recognition is admirable, however you wouldn’t be able to tell after last season. Alexander’s season was cut short after tearing his acl. Before the tear, he wasn’t really playing great. His pass rush ability remained the highlight, but he’s more than just someone to blitz the quarterback. He has the abilities to be solid cover guy on a running back.

Not so much a tight end because he’ll probably struggle with discipline against refined route runners. Aside from that, he’s a young head on a swivel linebacker. Every full season he’s played he’s been around or eclipsed 100 tackles. He’s only scratching the surface at 25 years old. The main concern would be his recovery from his torn acl.

Jordan Hicks

It’s no secret that Jordan Hicks is the best, if not one of the best inside linebackers hitting free agency. Almost every media outlet would love their team to acquire this phenomenal player. He’s a young talent who came back from a torn Achilles in 2017 like it was nothing. He’s been graded out exceptionally by Pro Football Focus two out of the last three years. Because of that, Hicks is essentially guaranteed a heavy contract.

There is no “right price” when it comes to Hicks because he’s sure to be overpaid for an inside linebacker. That’s the cost to bring in elite talent, which is something the Oakland Raiders have an advantage given their cap space. His impact to the team’s linebacker group would be substantial.

Brandon Marshall

It always seems like the teams in the AFC west are shuffling players with each other every offseason. That trend could continue if the Raiders sign Brandon Marshall. The Denver Broncos are letting Marshall walk in free agency after a down year, so his market might not be high. However, if you consider the Broncos performance last season, that whole team was a down year. Marshall deserves an asterisk for last season and should garner interest.

It feels like he’s an old veteran already, but he’s only 29 years old. His best years are likely behind him, but he can still improve a team like the Oakland Raiders. He’ll be able to produce and can also be an effective influence on the Raiders young core. Unlike Derick Johnson who was well in his 30s, Marshall is no slouch. He’s well worth the time and the money.

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