The Las Vegas Raiders could help themselves by adding more defensive help in the form of All-Pro, Justin Houston.
As it stands, the Raiders have done a solid job of reloading their defensive line. Signing Yannick Ngakoue certainly grabbed headlines for the Silver and Black this offseason. His addition alone should greatly benefit Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, in fact, Ngakoue already claims the Raiders have one of the best pass-rushing duos. Nevertheless, Las Vegas shouldn’t deter itself from making improvements, if, it still can. According to Over The Cap, they have a little under $4 million in cap space. While this isn’t a ton of financial flexibility, the team could still make a run at Houston, if they so desire.
If the numbers are right and the team can make room for Houston, say, by way of cutting Jalen Richard, the move makes sense. The Raiders’ front four will need to generate tons of pressure in 2021. In order for that to happen, the team will need proven help. If you look at the current line, there are still some question marks. Not only that, but since when is milking a 32-year-old, former All-Pro for everything he has left, a bad thing?
Houston to the Raiders makes sense
Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report recently looked at some of the best free agents available, with Houston cracking the top seven.
“Houston might not have a whole lot left at age 32, but the four-time Pro Bowler has put up at least eight sacks in each of the last four seasons… The key is you can no longer consider him an every-down player after he was on the field for just 59 percent of Indy’s defensive snaps despite starting 16 games in 2020. But there’s little reason to believe he can’t continue to serve as an effective situational pass-rusher for a contending team…”
Yes, I know, the keyword being ‘contending,’ which some fans believe the Raiders are doing in 2021. At least in contention for a playoff berth, something not accomplished since 2016.
Another positive with Houston is his health, at 32, he’s missed zero regular-season games these past two years. Gagnon also pointed out that Houston has only missed four tackles during that stretch as well. What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Should the Silver and Black hurry up and snag Houston already?
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*Top Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
