3 free agents who can help the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020
Jadeveon Clowney, Edge Rusher
Jon Gruden once said ironically after trading away Defensive Player of the Year and heralded pass rusher Khalil Mack “Great pass rushers are hard to find“, and in the following season, Mayock added two solid pass rushers in Clelin Ferrell and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Maxx Crosby. Those two guys helped improve the pass rush drastically in the 2019 season, as the team more than doubled their sack total from the previous season.
Entering the 2020 season with an improved pass rush, and the tutelage of defensive line guru Rod Marinelli, the Raiders are poised to improve at the edge rusher position. However, one question remains. If great pass rushers are hard to find, why not attempt to acquire them when available?
Simple answer is: cost.
At the start of free agency, Jadeveon Clowney’s asking price was around $20 Million a year, which would place him among the leagues top pass rushers. Clowney, a former first overall pick, is a physical freak who is strong against the run, and has the speed to get to the quarterback. He would be a valuable asset to a young Raiders pass rush rotation that needs to remain fresh to get after Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes III.
While the addition of Clowney would be an incredible addition to the Raiders, the $20M price tag is too hefty, and has turned down multiple $15 Million a year offers. If Clowney and the Raiders can agree on a contract that is beneficial to both sides, Clowney can prove to be a formidable addition to the Las Vegas Raiders new look defense.