As the 2022 off-season continues to move along, the Raiders have been very busy. The latest moves have included the signing of two new defenders. The newest pick-ups were safety Duron Harmon and linebacker Jayon Brown. Both are likely to be signed to one-year deals.
Harmon, a third-round pick back in 2013, will be playing for his fourth team when he suits up for the Raiders. Previously a member of the Patriots, Lions, and Falcons, he is a three-time Super Bowl champion from his time in New England. With 21 interceptions in his nine-year career, he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball despite not being a starter until 2020. He earned a 59.1 PFF grade last season as a starter for the Falcons where he played in all but one game. The former Patriot obviously has familiarity with general manager Dave Ziegler.
Jayon Brown, a 27-year-old linebacker, is a former fifth-round pick back in 2017. He has spent his entire four-year career as a member of the Tennessee Titans and had his best season back in 2018 where he had six sacks, two forced fumbles, and 97 tackles. Brown has dealt with injuries the last two seasons as in 2020 he had an elbow injury and battled through a knee injury in 2021. With a 51.2 PFF grade in 2021, he is a serviceable player. He should have a role right away with the Raiders.
While neither of these signings are huge needle movers, they are necessary to help build depth on Patrick Graham’s defense. Expect both players to become quality depth pieces on a Raiders team that will value their experience.
Top photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images