Raiders: Grades for the second wave of 2022 free agency

Raiders: Grades for the second wave of 2022 free agency

Other Defensive position groups

Duron Harmon, S

• Grade: B+
• Contract: 1y, $1,272,500

Raider Nation is probably not too thrilled about this signing, being it’s another step further from the fan-favorite Tyrann Mathieu, but Harmon is a perfect fit for a much-needed role in this defense.

Let me start off by saying this – Jonathan Abram has missed at least three contests each year in his young career, with 15 games being missed during his rookie season. Harmon, on the other hand, has missed one game in his entire career. To find that game, you’d have to go all the way back to 2013; The very first week of his NFL career, where he was simply inactive.

Since 2017, Harmon has recorded at least 2 interceptions each season, grabbing 14 total out of the sky in this five-year timespan. Why is this notable? The Las Vegas Raiders finished dead last in the NFL with interceptions recorded last season.

The versatility Graham likes so much is also there, being he’s started at both safety positions in his career. Harmon is at his best in coverage, so being the third safety in 3-deep looks is a strength of his.

Finally, Harmon reunites with some New England personnel, where he’s played his best football. In his final two seasons as a Patriot, he allowed a 77.8 and 39.7 opposing quarterback rating respectively. I know I said Jayon Brown was the best signing Las Vegas made in wave two of free agency, but this is a close second.

Vernon Butler, DT

• Grade: B-
• 1y, $1.25M

The Raiders love versatility, and that continues to show with the signing of Vernon Butler.

Naturally a defensive tackle, Butler has experimented playing end, where he’s found success with a career-high 6 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He’s played well at defensive tackle throughout his career, except for last year, which was his worst season as a pro.

In his last year in Buffalo, Butler played 285 snaps and earned an outright horrific PFF grade of 34.5. I do expect it to be nothing more than a down year, but being as 2021 was so unkind to him, it’s hard to automatically write it off as nothing. Still, this is a versatile defensive lineman who’s been successful in the NFL.

Butler is signed to a one-year deal, so if he doesn’t bounce back from his ’21 campaign, no harm is done at the end of the year moving forward.

Kyle Peko, DT

• Grade: C
• Contract: 1y, 1.085M

After spending three-and-a-half years in the AFC West, Peko makes his return. Last season, with the Titans, Peko saw his first season with 100+ snaps. As a result, he was able to get the first 2-sacks of his NFL career, along with 2 tackles in the backfield.

Peko has spent the entirety of his career in a 3-4, which is something that helps Patrick Graham and the Raiders. Ultimately, this is a one-year prove-it deal, much like everyone else, and only positives can come from this.