Las Vegas Raiders: 3 potential free agent targets at cornerback

Chris Harris Jr.

An alternative route the Raiders could go is by landing a veteran guy from within the division in Chris Harris Jr. At 31 years old, Harris Jr. can still play at an elite level for a couple more years and might not cost as much as the other 2 younger corners Highlighted earlier.

The Raiders are well versed in Harris Jr’s ability as a cover corner, as they’ve faced him twice a year for the last 9 seasons while he was with the Denver Broncos. Harris Jr. would add a great combination of veteran talent and leadership, along with legitimate shut down ability on the outside.

What he will warrant price tag wise will be the tricky part. This could be a classic case of paying above worth because of what the market dictates. With the top young corners potentially seeing $15-$17 million a year, Harris Jr. could stand firm in trying to get those numbers as well. But it could be beneficial in few different ways.

First, you’re probably looking at a shorter 2-4 year contract as apposed to the 4-6 that some of the younger guys will get. You wouldn’t be stuck for too long with a bad contract sitting there if it didn’t work out.

Second, because of his age Mike Mayock could construct a contract that was front loaded with the guaranteed money, so that the Raiders would essentially be paying for his couple more years of elite potential, and can cut ties early if he declines and the age starts to catch up to him.

I see them going this route if they miss on any of the top guys or decide to continue to build this position through the draft, and want to bring in someone that would be a good veteran presence to help groom the young crop of defensive backs the Raiders are putting together.