The New Orleans Saints have some roster decisions to make this offseason, and the Las Vegas Raiders should capitalize on their potential cuts.
The Silver and Black need help on several fronts, so picking up quality depth will be of the utmost importance. As far as the Saints, they’ll look to continue their playoff momentum, possibly without Drew Brees. Beyond the quarterback position, the Saints might need to make some tough calls on certain players to get cap relief. This will help the Raiders by way of two players: Offensive lineman Nick Easton and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
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Should the Raiders invest in Nick Easton?
The Raiders’ offensive line could be going some through dramatic changes this offseason. For different reasons, both Trent Brown and Richie Incognito could both be gone in 2021. Allocating some resources to Easton would be a smart move, as the Raiders would be getting a serviceable and flexible player. Since 2016, the Harvard product has started 32 games out of 45 appearances, and along with playing left guard, he’s also played center.
Easton could serve as a backup to Denzelle Good assuming he’d be the starter if Incognito’s gone. On a side note, we saw how the Raiders run game took a step backward in 2020, Eaton would help in that department. He posted a 62.5 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade last year, so the Raiders could definitely use the boost.
Could Emmanuel Sanders fill a void at wide receiver?
Adding depth along their offensive line also goes hand in hand with another offensive position. The Raiders might need to add a veteran wide receiver depending on what happens with Nelson Agholor knowing Tyrell Williams will be gone. Sanders is a two-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, which is the type of pedigree that Las Vegas needs.
Though Sanders hasn’t reached the 1,000-yard mark since 2016, he caught 14 touchdowns these past three years. Sanders’ PFF grades during that same stretch also paint a positive picture. His receiving grades these three past seasons were 80.1, 79.3, and 74.9. Depending on Sanders’ price tag, he could potentially be a reliable replacement for Agholor this offseason.
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*Top Photo: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
