Right tackle has been a need for the Las Vegas Raiders for a while now. Last year, they tried to fill this need through the draft. Since that doesn’t seem to have worked, Vegas could opt for a more proven lineman via free agency. Here are three possible options.
What three options should the Raiders consider?
No. 1 Morgan Moses
This is not one of the hotter names being floated lately, but I think this could be the best option for the Silver and Black. After surprisingly being cut by Washington after the 2020 season, Moses picked up right where he left off with the New York Jets in 2021. Now that he is slated to be a free agent once again, he is generally considered to be in the second tier of the free-agent tackle market, behind the likes of Terron Armstead and Orlando Brown Jr., who will command elite money. Right now, Pro Football Focus ranks him as the fourth-best free agent at his position.
Moses is a powerful run blocker who is also competent in pass protection. He has great hips, he times his switches and double teams really well, and he finishes his blocks with a bit of nastiness that you love to see. Also, he isn’t a liability when tasked with a tough matchup. Here is a clip of him from 2020 going up against TJ Watt.
Just from that alone, one thing is blatantly obvious: Moses would be a colossal upgrade over Brandon Parker. That is all the Raiders should be looking for. They do not need to swing for the fences. A significant upgrade is all that’s needed. This move would do that, and it wouldn’t be that costly either. According to Spotrac, Moses will likely cost whichever team signs him around $8 million per year. That would be a steal for what is easily one of the Raiders’ top three needs this offseason.
No. 2 Riley Reiff
If the Raiders really don’t want to spend on a tackle in free agency, Reiff could be an option. At 33, his best years are likely behind him. However, he is a known commodity who has been around the league and has a reputation for his consistency. At this point in his career, a move to right tackle should help him out a bit. Reiff has done a pretty good job of staying healthy for most of his career, but he did miss the Cincinnati Bengals’ postseason run with an ankle injury. However, that injury did show that he is still playing significantly above replacement level.
Reiff would likely be a cheaper signing than Moses, given his age and somewhat declining play. He could likely be had on a short-term deal (2-3 years tops) for under $7 million per year. Reiff would make a solid bridge option if the Raiders chose to draft a tackle this year. They could also wait until Day 2 and draft someone who would need some time to develop. While this is certainly less ideal than the first option, it would still be a major upgrade for the position.
No. 3 Nate Solder
If the Raiders do choose to go in the direction of a veteran stop-gap player, another possibility could be Solder. However, he had a much rougher 2021 season than Reiff had. After a disastrous four-year stint with the New York Giants, Solder is far from the same player that he was in New England, where he earned that albatross of a contract from New York. Maybe being reunited with Josh McDaniels is exactly what he needs to get some of that mojo back.
Scheme fit is going to be crucial to Solder’s success, which he desperately needs if he wants to keep playing into his mid-thirties. That could give the Raiders an opportunity to get him a discount. His next contract will likely be a one-year deal in the $3-5 million range. This option might make sense if Las Vegas decides to go after some big fish at other positions this offseason. Again, not an ideal pickup, but it is still an upgrade. That is all that matters at the end of the day.
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*Top Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com