Raiders 2022 offseason: 3 more big moves Las Vegas could make
By Jason Willis
Raiders 2022 offseason: 3 more big moves Las Vegas could make
More veteran defensive backs
In the aftermath of the Chandler Jones signing, the Raiders traded Yannick Ngakuoe to the Colts for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. A young player with some talent, Ya-Sin projects to be a starter for the Raiders defense in 2022. Currently, the Las Vegas secondary features many young players including Trayvon Mullen, Nate Hobbs, and Trevon Moehrig.
However, the Raiders could still use an influx of talent into their secondary. With this talent, should come experience.
One cornerback who could fill all of those holes is former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. After four incredible seasons with New England where he made the Pro Bowl three times, he was traded to the Panthers during the 2021 season. While getting healthy and adjusting to a new scheme, he played in eight games and started three. He came down with three interceptions.
At 31 years old, Gilmore is getting up there in age. However, he is still a very talented corner who could provide veteran leadership to a young group while simultaneously being the best boundary cornerback on the team. A two-year deal could benefit both sides.
Another difference-maker could be former Chiefs safety, Tyrann Mathieu. A thorn in the Raiders’ side for many years, Mathieu makes his impact by being a versatile chess piece that can play any defensive back position.
Similar to Gilmore, the four-time All-Pro would be a valuable mentor to Vegas’s young players but also would give them an instant impact defender.