Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021
Safeties
The Raiders should spend big money on safety because it’s one of the lowest-paid positions on the roster. Excluding franchise-tagged players, Justin Simmons, Marcus Maye, and Marcus Williams, only seven safeties under contract in 2021 average north of $10 million annually, per Spotrac. The Raiders can land a high-end safety without breaking the bank.
John Johnson III (Best Option)
With Simmons, Maye, and Williams under their respective team’s control because of the franchise tag, John Johnson III will receive a lot of attention on the open market. He’s the best option, but the 25-year-old will command top dollar because multiple teams will show interest in him.
In four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Johnson has lined up at free safety (deep) as much as strong safety (in the box) and played a decent number of snaps in the slot (264) this past season, per Pro Football Focus. Most importantly for the Raiders, he makes an impact in coverage, logging 32 pass breakups and eight interceptions for his career.
Vegas will likely face competition within the division for Johnson’s services. Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley served as his defensive coordinator with the Rams last year.
Anthony Harris (Realistic Option)
In case the Chargers or another team signs Johnson, the Raiders can turn their focus to Anthony Harris. He’s more of a free safety who’s best suited to play in center field. He broke out during the 2019 campaign, recording six interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
In 2020, Harris had more responsibility while playing alongside two rookie cornerbacks (Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler) in the Minnesota Vikings secondary. He didn’t log an interception but broke up seven passes and allowed a 58.3 percent completion rate in coverage.
Tre Boston (Writer’s Suggestion)
In 2017, under Gus Bradley, Tre Boston had arguably his best season, logging a career-high five interceptions and eight pass breakups as the Chargers’ primary free safety. He’s put together solid campaigns with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals as well.
Boston isn’t the best tackler in open space, but he’s one of the most underrated deep-cover safeties, amassing 15 interceptions and 42 pass breakups in seven seasons. At a much cheaper price than Johnson or Harris, the ball-hawking defender can fill a void on the back end.