Raiders

5 Defensive Line Free-Agent Targets for the Raiders

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Solomon Thomas #94 (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)

5. Solomon Thomas

Solomon Thomas isn’t a name you’ll see many fans clamoring for on social media outlets. His signing also wouldn’t be sexy or flashy but it could be beneficial to both sides. The defensive end is coming off an ACL tear that ended his season just two games in. While this does put an immediate damper on acquiring him, it could set the Raiders up to negotiate a cheap one-year prove-it type deal.

If Thomas comes in and plays well, they can look to resign him to a longer extension. On the other hand, if the injury has some lingering effects or the production is simply not there, they cut ties and move on. This move would come with pre-determined notions by the coaching staff and front office. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would have to strongly believe that Maxx Crosby can become a solid pass rusher for years to come and the front office would need to fall in love with a draft prospect.

Thomas is very much accustomed to a 4-3 defensive setup and can move in and out along the line. Nevertheless, he’s more of a run-stopper than a pass rusher. He could end up becoming a low-risk, high-reward pickup this offseason.

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3 thoughts on “5 Defensive Line Free-Agent Targets for the Raiders”

  1. Leonard Williams would be a terrific pick up. Suh? No. The rest? I could go either way. Watt might be too spendy. He brings good pressure inside, which is a necessary fill for the Raiders. I would prefer that the Raiders focus on youth, and coaching that youth up correctly. Collins and Nassib sadly, were a waste of time and money. Especially since Marinelli was there. Was Guenther not scheming to them? I don’t know, but if we as Raiders/Raider Nation are ever going to get the collective monkey off our back, we must build a lasting and deep defensive rotation that is RESILIENT.

  2. Here’s the problem the Raiders have every year with bringing in FAs – will the player coming in be productive and make everyone else around him better or is he only as good as the team around him? Raiders have to look at the defenses that these guys were playing on. In other words, can they change their environment or are they a product of it?

  3. Ferrell is the three down defensive end on this team, not Crosby, who regularly got swallowed up by tackles on running downs (if he didn’t run himself right out of the play). I think Hendricksen, Okwara, or Williams would be great. Ngakoe has red flags all over the place with regards to three teams essentially showing him the door last season. Excuse the spelling on the names.

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