Raiders roster: 5 Pending FAs who are key to a playoff berth in 2021
Nicholas Morrow, LB
During the 2020 offseason, the Raiders attempted to revamp their linebacker group in a big way, adding Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski via free agency. Littleton was the crown jewel of the free agency haul last year, but under Paul Guenther, he struggled mightily and was a major disappointment in Year 1 in the Silver and Black.
While Kwiatkoski played well, he battled through injuries, and it was actually a holdover, Nicholas Morrow, who had the best season of any linebacker on this team. His play earned him a new contract this offseason, but it is only a one-year deal, which means Morrow will have to prove he belongs once again in 2021.
With Gus Bradley now as defensive coordinator, the Raiders will be much better on that side of the ball, and Littleton could go back to being the player he was in Los Angeles. However, it is Morrow who will have to continue to trend in the right direction if the Raiders are to punch their ticket to the playoffs this season.