The Las Vegas Raiders might want to take a look at a pair of players the Buffalo Bills may release this offseason.
After being eliminated from playoff contention, the Bills will turn their attention to restructuring their team. According to Over The Cap, they currently have a little more than $1.2 million in cap space. They’ll be looking for some breathing room financially just like the Raiders with the offseason already here. They’ll be some potentially interesting cap casualties that Las Vegas could snag from Buffalo depending on which route the latter team takes.
We all know the Silver and Black will look to beef up their defensive line, as they generated little pressure last season. Their offense, while efficient, seemed to lack explosiveness in the run game. The latter probably having to do more with offensive line injuries and shuffling than anything else. So what if the Raiders could help their defensive line and also aid both their run and passing game?
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Raiders should add Trent Murphy
Trent Murphy, a former second-round pick, is a veteran defensive end that would add quality depth to the Raiders. His three-year stint with the Bills has been solid, and was a full-time starter in 2019. Statistically speaking, this was Murphy’s best campaign, accumulating five sacks, nine tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and three passes defensed.
He also added 19 pressures during that season but saw much less action in 2020 due to injury. Murphy has previously shown solid pass rushing abilities; his pursuit of Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson below shows keen awareness and lateral movement. Depending on the kind of demand he gets in the open market, Murphy could be of use as a fourth edge rusher hinging on what Raiders brass does this offseason.
Trent Murphy stayed with him the whole time 👀 @TMurphy_93 pic.twitter.com/x7v9cyC0ZO
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 4, 2020
Maybe an old friend could help?
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden loves his veteran tight ends, just ask Jason Witten. As of right now, the Silver and Black are rolling with Foster Moreau behind Darren Waller but it’s only January. If the team’s going to bring in another veteran, why not one that was essentially a sixth lineman during his Raiders stint? Lee Smith’s blocking prowess was a sight to behold and he’d benefit Gruden’s power run game.
When needed, Smith can affect the passing game, he caught three touchdowns back in his 2019 season. Most recently, he caught a beautiful toss in the end zone from Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
#BillsMafia’s (-7.5) out here playing some backyard football! 🈠@JoshAllenQB finds blocking tight end Lee Smith to extend Buffalo’s lead to 17-9. 📈 #BUFvsNE
— Bodog (@BodogCA) December 29, 2020
Occasional spectacular catches aside, Raider Nation remembers Smith for his abilities as a blocker. There’s little doubt that Moreau needs his snaps that were idiotically given to Witten in 2021. However, adding Smith shouldn’t affect Moreau in theory. He’d primarily be a blocker helping to open up room on the outside for Josh Jacobs. If the price is right, this reunion needs to happen.
@GipsySafety Lee Smith punishing defenders. Mmm. #Raiders #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/KfSaTbSMWC
— Reed (@RaiderDeedo) September 17, 2017
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*Top Photo: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
