The Las Vegas Raiders will need to address several holes on their roster, and poaching some talent from the San Francisco 49ers might help.
The one name involving the Silver and Black and the Niners is veteran cornerback Richard Sherman. However, the team needs speed and youth in their defensive backfield. Sherman would still be a solid addition but the Raiders should look for a long-term solution, whether it’s at corner or safety, in the draft.
As far as poaching talent from San Francisco, the Raiders could use a couple of potential cap casualties in order to get some depth. The two players we’re referring to are guard Laken Tomlinson and Dee Ford. It’s possible these two veterans might be deemed expendable, which could help Las Vegas get them at a discount rate.
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What can Ford bring to the Raiders?
The 2018 Pro Bowl outside linebacker could still make an impact as an edge rusher if he’s healthy. In fact, his health might be the biggest reason he may not be a 49er after this offseason. Ford has been disabled due to a back injury and since 2019 and has only played in 12 regular-season games. Per OverTheCap.com, San Francisco would save up to $6.4 million in cap space if they part ways.
When he was healthy, was an absolute beast as a pass rusher but also held his own in run defense. In that 2018 campaign, Ford notched 13 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and 13 tackles for a loss, and 54 pressures. If Ford can bounce back at some point and the Raiders get him on the cheap, it could be a steal.
Depth is needed for the offensive line…
The Raiders will need to address depth along their offensive line this offseason. We have to see how the dominoes will fall as far as several contributors including Richie Incognito, Denzelle Good, and Trent Brown. Signing Tomlinson in the offseason could give the Silver and Black some quality depth at left guard. Pro Football Focus grades Tomlinson’s run blocking at 80.8 which should bode well for the Raiders after they saw their run-game take a dip in 2020.
San Francisco could save about $4 million in cap space by parting ways with Tomlinson, which would benefit the Raiders. Also, adding a proven guard could save them from having to use a draft pick on the position this year. Assuming the Silver and Black can successfully restructure their cap situation, Tomlinson could be a nice addition if the money’s right.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
