After a couple of low-key transactions in the first day of legal tampering, the Las Vegas Raiders changed gears and negotiated deals many in Raider Nation didn’t expect during free agency.
Ahead of free agency, it was logical to think the Raiders would go after a linebacker or two and a top defensive back. They had to as they fielded one of the worst in the league in 2019. They kind of disappointed the first day of legal tampering when they reached agreements with Nick Kwiatkoski and Marcus Mariota. Solid additions but nothing too spectacular.
The Raiders didn’t disappoint in day two though. They went on a free agent shipping spree and ended up negotiating contracts with Cory Littleton, one of the most coveted players at his position. Shockingly, the raid didn’t stop there as they went after Cowboys veterans Jeff Heat, Jason Witten and Maliek Collins. We were about to take a deep breath and pour our beer when Mike Mayock agreed to terms of a deal with Carl Nassib of the Buccaneers. Why not, said Mayock to himself with a smirk in his face.
Related: Raiders were smart to not overpay CB Byron Jones
Raiders Take Over Day 2 of Free Agency
Some of these deals are more meaningful than others, but that’s besides the point. How many of you knew the Raiders were going to target all those players? You can put your hand down. You’re either lying or you’re Jon Gruden. Going back to my premise, Las Vegas brass have been agressive and determined without being impulsive.
Heat and Collins are expected to join the Raiders because of the Rod Marinelli connection. Littleton will definitely boost their defense, which is interesting as they had just reached agreements with Kwiatkoski, which means that after years and maybe even decades of atrocity at linebacker, the organization has finally decided not patch a problem and instead fixed a problem from the root. Surprisingly, they ended up the day by adding Nassib, who has no ties to nobody and other than “our defense sucks,” was not in many people radars.
Something amusing to take into consideration is that even though there’s been a frenzy of activity, free agency is barely going to start. Nobody has officially signed and can back down from playing in Las Vegas at any moment. However, that would be unlikely -albeit not unheard of-. Moreover, there are plenty of transactions to be made and players to be had. Other than Byron Jones, most corners are still without a team, which could be an optimal situation for the Raiders to be in if they keep their current pace and sense of urgency. Don’t be surprised if Chris Harris ends up putting his John Hancock on Silver and Black paper at any moment from now.
No one wins the Super Bowl in free agency and maybe some of the players the Raiders end up signing won’t pan out. Nevertheless, Mayock is earning his money worth in this free agency that had been nothing but entertaining.
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