Giants defensive free agents the Las Vegas Raiders should target
By Brad Weiss
With the signing of Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator, the Raiders could target some of his previous players with the Giants.
On Friday, the Las Vegas Raiders found an elite coach to take over as defensive coordinator, bringing in Patrick Graham from the New York Giants. Graham served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for Joe Judge in New York and brings a wealth of experience to the role for the Raiders’ new head coach.
As we look at some of the players he coached in New York that are entering free agency, three of them really stand out as some who could put on the Silver and Black next season.
Giants defensive free agents the Las Vegas Raiders should target
No. 1: DT Austin Johnson
New York brought Austin Johnson back to the organization in 2021, and he was a solid depth player for Graham upfront. He had the best season of his career statistically, racking up 37 tackles, and he was fifth on the team with 21 pressures.
He would not be asked to come in and start on this Raiders team, but could be a solid depth piece, and is familiar with what Graham likes to do on defense. He also would not command a lot of money, as Las Vegas looks to put together a playoff-ready roster in Year 1 of the Josh McDaniels era.