Raiders 2022 free agency: 3 realistic moves that still make sense
![Feb 9, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet is seen at the Super Bowl LVI Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Feb 9, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet is seen at the Super Bowl LVI Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17652787-850x560-7bae294724f9f889260ccd79a78ea1964d0a319a65e1ce9ee28dff605ebbc4e5.jpg)
Raiders 2022 free agency: 3 realistic moves that still make sense
Jabrill Peppers
The Las Vegas Raiders have glaring holes at the wide-receiver and guard/tackle positions, yet a safety is up first. The reason is simple – Starting strong-safety Johnathan Abram is a huge liability in coverage; Peppers, not so much.
The Giant’s safety didn’t do much in 2021 as he suffered a season-ending injury after six games, but in both ’20 and ’19, he was able to hold his own on coverage plays. He allowed an opposing quarterback rating south of 90 in both of these seasons and broke up a combined 16 pass-attempts.
Peppers also plays well against the run and maintains that toughness Raider Nation loves from their safeties. This isn’t just a guy who can fill in for Abram on passing downs or come in as the third safety in triple deep looks, but the 26-year-old can make a legitimate run for the starting strong-safety spot which Abram currently has locked.
Versatility aside, which is something Patrick Graham values extremely high, Peppers and Graham have a pre-existing relationship from New York. This not only makes the ideal safety for what he brings to the table but ideal for the familiarity he has with his former coach.
With names like Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson still out there, you can bet Peppers is going to be under-coveted, making him perfect for Las Vegas to bring in on the cheaper side.