1. Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams is one free agent that just makes too much sense for the Raiders. Williams, like Okwara and Hendrickson, had a breakout year in 2020, racking up 12 sacks, 57 tackles 14 for loss, and 30 quarterback hits.
His 30 quarterback hits were good for second among free-agent defensive lineman and his 12 sacks were only second to Hendrickson. His breakout year came as he was moved around the line a lot from inside over the guards and center to outside off the edge. This versatility would allow him to be another three-down defensive player alongside Crosby.
That inability to play all three downs is one of the biggest knocks on Clelin Ferrell. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t be expected to fill this role anymore with the addition of Williams. This would also allow them to play their better pass rushers in obvious passing situations.
As for what it would cost, Spotrac has his market value at just over $11 million per year. That would be an absolute steal if the Raiders could manage to swing a deal in that price range. On the other hand, this is the one free agent that price shouldn’t matter as he’ll provide a legit pass-rushing presence not only on the edges but inside as well. If the Raiders can walk away from free agency bringing Williams to Las Vegas it will be a winning offseason for them.
The Raiders need talent and they need it now. There are plenty of options available to them this offseason and while drafting a young stud isn’t out of the realm of possibility, that shouldn’t disqualify them from trying to bring in proven talent.
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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.
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?
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.