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Las Vegas Raiders: Examining the complete list of 2021 free agents

By Nick Bailey

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) moves the ball against Los Angeles Chargers safety Jaylen Watkins (20) and cornerback Michael Davis (43) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) moves the ball against Los Angeles Chargers safety Jaylen Watkins (20) and cornerback Michael Davis (43) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders Erik Harris. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Raiders Erik Harris. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2021 free agents: Defense

Erik Harris, Unrestricted

Erik Harris should be gone this offseason.  He was a great story as an undrafted free agent, working at a potato chip factory before getting his chance with the Raiders.  He played well in the 2019 season, as he was good in coverage and even had a few picks.

This season was a completely different story, as he not only massively underperformed, but he was injured, got put on the COVID list, and he just ultimately doesn’t have the speed and ball skills to make up for those deficiencies.  The Raiders need to sign a safety in free agency and draft one in the middle rounds and move on from Erik Harris.

Daryl Worley, Unrestricted

Daryl Worley was brought in at the end of the year because of all the injuries and lack of production in the defensive backfield due to his familiarity with Paul Guenther’s system.  Not only do I not expect him back, but if he is needed once again in 2021, something went seriously wrong in the Raiders secondary.

Maliek Collins, Unrestricted

Maliek Collins was called a key to the Raiders defense by head coach Jon Gruden when he was signed this offseason, and he was even voted a captain in the offseason. However, there might not have been a more disappointing free-agent signing this offseason by the Raiders than Collins, who never made an impact.

Chris Smith, Unrestricted

Chris Smith came from playing for the Browns last season and helped the Raiders upset the Chiefs in Week 5, and then really did not do much the rest of the way.  The only way I see Smith coming back is if they once again allow veterans to be placed on practice squads.

Raekwon McMillan, Unrestricted

The Las Vegas Raiders acquired Raekwon Mcmillian in a shocking trade for 2020 third-round pick Lynn Bowden Jr.  Coming out of Ohio State, McMillan was a pretty highly touted prospect, but as his pro career went along it was obvious he was much better in run coverage than pass coverage.

Yet, when he came over to the Raiders, he and the run defense struggled, allowing 200+ rushing yards in back-to-back games against the Jets and Colts. I think McMillan is not with the Raiders in 2021.

Vic Beasley, Unrestricted

After impressing the first couple years of his career, Vic Beasley has fallen off in a major way. Coming to the Raiders mid-season to try to help this anemic pass rush after being released by the Tennessee Titans, the signing didn’t exactly pan out.  However, as is the case with McKinley, I expect Beasley to be back.

Nevin Lawson, Unrestricted

Nevin Lawson is a guy I do not see returning to the Raiders in any capacity this season. Lawson gives up too many big plays in the passing game and doesn’t have the ball skills to make a difference when he is in the right position anyways.

The Raiders should let Lawson walk and let Isaiah Johnson be the primary backup next season.

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