Jeff Heath, Defensive Back
Jeff Heath is another defensive player that did not play much in 2020. However, he should have been given more opportunities given his level of play when he was on the field. Heath played just 38% of the team’s defensive snaps but Guenther and his staff stubbornly stuck with Erik Harris. This proved to be a blunder as Harris struggled mightily all season long.
Heath was brought in to provide some veteran presence to a young defensive backfield and when he was on the field, he did just that. He led the team with three interceptions in 13 games. This included the game-sealing turnover in Kansas City and two against Denver that turned that contest into a laugher. His contributions included four passes defensed and 37 tackles in limited snaps. It was clear to even the casual observer that he was a better option than Harris.
Not much depth behind Abram…
Because Heath’s contract was not guaranteed for 2021, he was always going to be a cut candidate. That notwithstanding, many hoped that the Raiders would retain him as a solid backup and veteran presence to a secondary that’s now even younger. Casey Hayward can play that veteran leader role as can Karl Joseph, but it’s worrisome to think that an injury to the oft-injured Johnathan Abram would leave the Raiders with Dallin Leavitt and rookie Tyree Gillespie as the backups.
Heath is still available as a free agent should the Raiders change their minds about bringing him back. It’s unfortunate that the team let go of one of their top performers from 2020.
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