NFL free agency is quickly approaching and the Las Vegas Raiders figure to be big spenders. Being the inaugural season in their new home, you’d think the team will land some big names, at least Pro Football Focus predicts that.
Anyone familiar with the Silver and Black knows they need reinforcements at both wide receiver and cornerback. In a recently published piece, PFF has the Raiders bringing in Robby Anderson and Byron Jones, who could be instant upgrades given their talents. Cap wise, we know general manager Mike Mayock will be clever with how he keeps the Raiders financially healthy.
Landing spot predictions for PFF’s top 50 free agents!
The Las Vegas #Raiders land Byron Jones and Robby Anderson in this scenario 👀
Check out the article for details on projected contracts and why they’re a potential fit for the #Raiders ⬇ï¸https://t.co/zZunVi1YyW
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) February 23, 2020
Interestingly enough we’ve covered both of those potential pickups for the Raiders.
Related: Chris Rose: The Raiders should wait to draft a wide receiver
A quick recap, Ryan Smith previously stated that despite the temptation to sign Anderson, the team would be better off passing in order to keep the team financially flexible. Smith further elaborated:
Do I think the Raiders should dish out over $15 million to a guy who hasn’t produced at all, let alone consistently, with a track-record for legal issues? No. I don’t think it helps to have two of the same receiver either, especially when the Raiders will have multiple opportunities to draft a playmaker in this year’s draft. Robby Anderson is good, but not good enough to warrant a massive paycheck.
What about Jones? The Raiders still need to reinforce the cornerback position and perhaps free agency could provide the answer. I myself previously stated that despite Jones’ price tag, it would be an intelligent investment for the Raiders.
The catch in all this is whether general manager Mike Mayock and head honcho Jon Gruden would allocate money to a cornerback and Jones’ services will not come cheap by any means. The 2018 Pro Bowler’s last contract with the Cowboys totaled four years $8,601,941 dollars with a 2019 salary of $2,150,485.
While team building isn’t an exact science, they should take the wiser route and rebuild the wide receiver corps via the draft. Meanwhile, invest more heavily on the defense, Jones would be a formidable addition despite the cost. Free agency can’t get here soon enough for Raider Nation.
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