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Oakland Raiders: 3 free agents that are fool’s gold

By Jose Sanchez III

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden (L) and Owner Mark Davis (R) of the Oakland Raiders talking with each other while looking on as their team warms up prior to the start of a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden (L) and Owner Mark Davis (R) of the Oakland Raiders talking with each other while looking on as their team warms up prior to the start of a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans tries to tackle free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks as Thomas returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans tries to tackle free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks as Thomas returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Earl Thomas

It never fails during the build up to free agency that fans want the big name players to come to their team. It’s almost like it doesn’t matter what the current situation or period the team is in. Just get that player no matter what.

One of those players for this free agent season is Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas. The lure of the Thomas is easily understandable. He’s an All-Pro Safety and future Hall of Famer. Any defense he gets inserted to will become instantly better. However, Earl Thomas is more suited for a team that will be in contention next season.

The Oakland Raiders are far from that with their plethora of needs. Thomas is definitely fool’s gold for the Silver and Black. What would be the point of bringing Thomas in? The longevity of his career is definitely in question after suffering a lower leg fracture.

Not to mention he’s already 30 years old, so his production will only go downhill from here. It may not be this upcoming season or even next, but it’s naive to think he’ll maintain his form a few years down the line. For a team that is rebuilding, it is contradictory to bring in a player up there in age. Jon Gruden himself recently said in an interview that they’re “looking for blossoming young players”.

Earl Thomas does not fall under that category. Not to mention Vic Tafur of The Athletic recently said in an article that the staff isn’t sold on Karl Joseph. The whole safety position is in a rebuild.

Next. Raiders seen as favorite to land Antonio Brown. dark

The Raiders can’t afford to invest so much money on one player heading towards the end of his career. I know Earl Thomas is the sexy signing. He’s the upper tier high school crush that you like, but can’t have.

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