Las Vegas Raiders: 10 free agents that could help the pass rush

DE/DT Leonard Williams

Is Leonard Williams the one that got away from the Las Vegas Raiders? In 2015, the Raiders were reportedly debating between drafting Williams or Amari Cooper with the fourth overall pick, and they of course chose the Alabama wide receiver who was brilliant in his short time with the team.

Williams, on the other hand, ended up with the New York Jets, who selected him sixth overall and while he showed promise, they chose to trade him to the New York Giants in 2019 for a 2020 third-round pick and a 2021 fifth-round pick. The former USC Trojan did little in 2019 to show he was worth the trade, but after having the franchise tag placed on him in March, he had a career year for the Giants in 2020.

Williams quickly became one of the premier defensive linemen in the league, as he recorded 11.5 sacks, 57 tackles, and 14 tackles for loss. His interior pass rush ability was on full display with the sack totals, but he also recorded 30 quarterback hits and 41 pressures to help bolster a fearsome Giants defense.

If the Raiders were to add Williams in free agency this offseason, he would not come cheap, and that is likely the biggest hurdle between him and the Silver and Black. Williams will be looking to build off the career year he just had and it would have to take some cap space wizardry to bring him.

At just 26, Williams would be a foundational piece for the Raiders defense, but as we know, unless they come to your team via the draft this kind of player does not come cheap. Perhaps he can be convinced to join the team he hoped would draft him in 2015 but there is little indication he would come at a discount.