Las Vegas Raiders: 6 Free agents that could compete for starting jobs

Las Vegas Raiders: 6 Free agents that could compete for starting jobs

Everson Griffen, DE, 32

When Everson Griffen opted out of his deal after the 2019 season there were reports that he would return to the Minnesota Vikings on a lesser deal given that they would likely have released him as a cap casualty. It has been almost four months since that happened and Griffen is still a free agent.

The 32-year-old pass rusher is coming off a Pro Bowl season for a top-tier defense in which he recorded 41 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. Griffen was a Pro Bowl alternate after Nick Bosa advanced to the Super Bowl but it was clear that he still has a lot left in the tank after a relatively down year in 2018.

Griffen has been one of the more consistent pass rushers in the NFL and has racked up 74.5 sacks over his 10 year career with a career-high 13 in 2017. We have seen that pass rushers can be effective well in to their 30’s and he could come in and immediately compete with Clelin Ferrell for the starting right defensive end position.

The Raiders have great faith in Ferrell and he is likely in the team’s long term plans but he could learn a few things from a veteran like Griffen. As the Chiefs and 49ers proved in 2019, you can never have too many talented defensive lineman and Griffen could likely be brought in on a cheap short-term deal to push Ferrell and start when called upon.