The Las Vegas Raiders still need help in their defensive backfield, so why not take a flyer on cornerback Quinton Dunbar?
Although the first wave of free agency’s now in the rearview mirror, the Raiders can still look at some players available in the open market. Veteran Richard Sherman is still out there at the time of this writing but Dunbar could be exactly what the team needs. A former wide receiver during his college career at Florida, Dunbar had a rough 2020 season. This was mostly due to injuries that derailed his seasons and by Week 11, when the team placed him on the Injured Reserve list.
You may be wondering why the Raiders would sign a cornerback with injury red flags? It’s a fair question. The answer’s that Dunbar still has a lot of upside, don’t forget he’s only 28 years old. Prior to 2020, he had appeared in 58 games over the course of five seasons.
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Should the Raiders consider Dunbar?
The inherent risk in signing Dunbar will be both his health and the financial part. If he is indeed healthy and if he can return to his 2019 form, the Raiders could have themselves a potential starting corner in the slot. He would bring speed, burst, and quickness assuming he is healthy. That year, Dunbar was graded 87.6 overall by Pro Football Focus when he started 11 games for the Washington Football Team. Furthermore, the cornerback posted an 89.5 coverage grade as well as a run defense grade of 72.5.
Dunbar was targeted 55 times during 2019 when he surrendered 33 receptions and a 60 percent completion rate. On the other hand, Dunbar had four interceptions ad eight passes defensed. If truly healthy, the Raiders really need to consider him if the finances align. PFF predicts a two-year deal worth $12 million with $7.5 million guaranteed upon signing. Maybe the Raiders can meet him halfway on this one, what are your thoughts Raider Nation? Is Dunbar worth a flyer this offseason?
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*Top Photo: Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press