Raiders: Best free agent fits available entering 2022 NFL Draft

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 31: A general view of the Bose Headphones worn by Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers during the warm-up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 31, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Raiders: Best free agent fits available entering the 2022 NFL Draft

Stephon Gilmore – CB

Do the Raiders really need Stephon Gilmore? Probably not. But the Los Angeles Rams also did not need All-Pro Von Miller last season – and we know how that turned out.

Gilmore may be signaling in on a team to sign with very soon, and why not the Raiders?

The cornerback room for the Raiders was upgraded with the trade for former Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, and the spectacular debut of Nate Hobbs will look to provide even more stability in the Raiders secondary. Adding in veteran Anthony Averett, who was a bit of a pleasant surprise in Baltimore last season makes the room deeper. And this also includes the return of incumbent starter Trayvon Mullen from injury, and on a lighter note, a solid bit player in recently signed Darius Philips.

So why would the Raiders think to add to this already crowded room? Well, Gilmore is not a normal cornerback, and his presence would make him not only the best cornerback on this team but arguably one of the best defensive players entirely.

Despite turning 32-years-old this season, Gilmore is still a shut-down corner who can cover any assignment. The lanky Gilmore can still cover and run with any receiver, even at his advancing age.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Helmets and other equipment on the Las Vegas Raiders sideline is shown during the Raiders' game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders 3 worst contracts heading into 2022

There is a lot to like about the Las Vegas Raiders roster heading into the 2022 season, but these three contracts are the worst on the books.

We are not sure if the Gilmore of old is still completely within his playing ability, but even a lesser Gilmore is better than nearly every corner in the league. Who knows exactly what his demands are, but sometimes you don’t go for need when you want to win, you go for the best talent available, and it hardly gets any better than Stephon Gilmore.

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