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Raiders 2022 free agency: 3 realistic moves that still make sense

By Alexander Monfreda

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 /
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Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders 2022 free agency: 3 realistic moves that still make sense

Kyle Van Noy

For the second choice, we go to a position group that currently has two players in it. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy has been linked with the Las Vegas Raiders since he was released from New England, and there are numerous reasons why this makes sense.

For one, as mentioned a little while ago, versatility is something defensive coordinator Patrick Graham takes very seriously. Graham loves running multiple looks and fronts throughout each game, and Kyle Van Noy is a player that can do whatever Graham asks of him.

Go after the quarterback? Not a problem, as Van Noy has at least 5 sacks in each of his last three seasons. Get in coverage? Also not a problem, proven with the 6+ pass break-ups Van Noy has had in both of his last two seasons.

Play in a 4-3 and 3-4? The former Patriot played well in a 4-3 last year, after being a captain in the 3-4 Miami defense during the 2020 season.

Losing linebacker Nicholas Morrow to Chicago was bigger than most of Raider Nation wants to admit, and the cuts of Littleton plus Kwiatkoski make this unit just about as thin as it can get.

Of course, coming from New England, the versatile linebacker has strong ties with some of the new Las Vegas Raiders’ staff. The linebacker market is deep this year, but seeing as Van Noy has both the versatility and familiarity, he makes the most sense for the Silver and Black to bring aboard.

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