In comparison to 2018, the Las Vegas Raiders’ linebacker group has steadily improved, but it’s still behind others, such as the secondary. It should be noted that Denzel Perryman had a remarkable season, but more is needed.
This offseason, Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler have some tough choices to make in the linebacker’s room. With Cory Littleton’s release now just a matter of time, the Raiders can move on from a player that has a cap hit that far exceeds his production on the field. So, it’s obvious that Las Vegas will need to re-invest in the position.
Which linebackers should the Raiders pursue in free agency?
Bobby Wagner should headline the Raiders’ wish list
After months of rumors, Seattle let go of their standout linebacker after 10 seasons. Wagner is a six-time All-Pro player with eight Pro Bowls in his career. He produces and impresses year after year, and now he will be one of the most coveted free agents on the market.
Wagner possesses a talent for coverage that the Raiders lack. In a division stacked with receivers like Tyreek Hill, Jerry Jeudy, and Keenan Allen, it is crucial that Las Vegas step up their coverage. The Raiders’ elite pass rush duo would also benefit from Wagner’s skill set, as he holds a special knack for getting after the quarterback.
Wagner recorded 93 solo tackles in 2021. Lined up in the same backfield as Perryman, who had 102 solo tackles in 2021, his skill set would provide the linebacker combination Raider Nation has wished for.
Jordan Hicks hits the market
The Arizona Cardinals released one of their starting linebackers on Wednesday after he recorded 116 combined tackles and four sacks in 2021. Hicks spent three seasons in Arizona after playing out his rookie contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hicks will be sought after due to his pass rush skills, which, as we know, are a Raiders’ necessity. He would be a great addition to an evolving defense because he played some of his best football in the middle and at the end of the season, posting some of his highest Pro Football Focus grades in Weeks 8 and 16. This is important to note due to the Raiders’ three-year tradition of losing their momentum halfway through the season.
The 29-year-old would bring solid depth to the Raiders’ linebackers’ room that has been leaning solely on Perryman.
Kyle Van Noy could reunite with Patriots staff
Veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy was released from New England this week, a year into his second stint with the Patriots. The two-time Super Bowl champion would offer much-needed leadership and experience to a young Raiders defense.
In 2021, Van Noy had five sacks. His pass rush showed out, but his coverage abilities were his highlight in 2021. He allowed a passer rating of 85.6, earning a coverage grade of 85 or higher in four straight weeks. The Silver and Black defense has been relying on their pass rush, but now it’s time to improve coverage.
The former Patriot could reunite with former Patriots’ coaches Josh McDaniels, Mick Lombardi, and others in Las Vegas. His experience and talent could be of great advantage to second-year linebacker Divine Deablo and would be a nice compliment to the players the Raiders already have.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Matt Patterson