Safety is one of the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest holes this offseason. Since the days of Charles Woodson, the Silver and Black have not had a player in the back end of the defense who can consistently take the ball away from opposing offenses. They can help change this with the signing of Los Angeles Chargers safety Rayshawn Jenkins.
Gus Bradley could bring in a familiar face
The Raiders signed former Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to the same position. It’s fair to wonder which of his former contributors he could bring in to help fortify the defense. Luckily for the Raiders, Bradley has connections to many players that can help fill large needs.
Jenkins could be one of those players. Originally a fourth-round pick in 2017’s draft, he has become a key player on the Chargers’ defense. This was especially evident in 2019, when he led the ‘Bolts’ in total defensive snaps, mostly due to injuries to incumbent starters Derwin James and Nasir Adderly. The Miami standout, however, is still a playmaker in his own right.
😳 Rayshawn Jenkins makes a PLAY! #PITvsLAC
(via @NFL)
— PFF (@PFF) October 14, 2019
The above play shows all of the playmaking abilities that the Raiders defense has lacked in recent years, as Jenkins diagnoses the route from his center field position, flies in, and makes a great catch to intercept the pass. In his four years, playing mostly in a backup role, Jenkins has logged five interceptions. This ability to make plays on the ball is desperately needed in Bradley’s defense.
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The Raiders would be killing two birds with one stone
Signing Jenkins would accomplish two things, as the Raiders would at the very least secure solid a solid depth piece as well as hurting the division rival Chargers. Jenkins should also come relatively cheap as he has been mostly a reserve player. The Raiders would do well to target Jenkins due to his connection with Bradley and the glaring need. This is a pairing that makes a lot of sense.
This Las Vegas team is currently $7 million in the red but can quickly get in cap shape. Once they do, they need to look for ways to fortify their defense, and signing Jenkins would help them accomplish that.
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Top Photo: Gregory Bull/Associated Press