2012 NFL Free Agency: Players Oakland Raiders Could Sign to Help Offense and Defense

– Mar 13, 2012

With free agency slated to open tomorrow, here is a list of free agents that could improve the Raiders on defense and offense.

As of now, the Raiders have restructured contracts with Richard Seymour, Aaron Curry, Carson Palmer, and Michael Huff.

Stanford Routt, Hiram Eugene, Kevin Boss, and Chris Johnson have been released, while Kamerion Wimbley is also expected to be released, due to the price of his contract.

The Raiders cap situation is unclear at this time, but here are the free agents that could improve the Raiders, nonetheless.

 

Defense

Brandon Carr, cb:


The Chiefs signed Stanford Routt after he was released by the Raiders. Good riddance. Routt is egotistical and was the most penalized player in the NFL in 2011. His grabby hands bordered on sexual harassment. Carr, however, is a rising talent and won't be cheap, but should be worth it.

Tracy Porter, cb:


As of now, the Raiders need two starters at corner back. Tracy Porter played for Raiders coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans. Porter is good all-around, but not great in a given area.

Dwight Lowery, db:
A Bay Area native, Dwight Lowery showed promise at corner back for the Jets before the Jets signed Antonio Cromartie.  Lowery was sent to the Jaguars and proved his versatility as a standout at safety.

Wesley Woodyard, lb:


Wesley Woodyard is a four time team captain under three different head coaches. He was a standout on special teams and led the Broncos in tackles in 2011, while  playing inside linebacker and outside linebacker.   He's undersized but quick, versatile, intelligent, and respected.   At the right price, Woodyard could be signed, because Denver has too much money tied up with Von Miller and DJ Williams.

Amobi Okoye, dt:


Let go by the Texans after they converted to the 34 defense.  Amobi Okoye is only 24 and showed with the Bears that he still has plenty of upside as a three-technique defensive tackle.

Pat Sims, dt:
A good run stuffer that could start and give flexibility to the Raiders defensive line.

 

Offense

Chris Myers, c:


Chris Myers played for Raiders offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp in Houston, so Myers knows the offense.  He was a big part of the Houston rushing attack and would be a good replacement for Samson Satele.

Peyton Hillis, rb:


The word is that Peyton Hillis could come cheap.  The Browns could select Trent Richardson in the draft.  Free agents like Michael Bush, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Mike Tolbert are ranked ahead of Hillis on many lists of top free agents.  Hillis would be a nice compliment to Darren McFadden as a backup and short-yardage specialist.

Ryan Grant, rb:


Similar reasoning to signing Peyton Hillis, except Grant is a few years older.  Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie is familiar with Grant from Green Bay.

Dallas Clark, te:


The veteran All-Pro could be a good target in the red zone and end zone for the Raiders.

John Carlson, te:

Carlson was hobbled by injuries in 2011, but his size makes him a formidable target in the red zone and end zone.

 

Closing

In closing, the Raiders cap situation is still unclear.  Free agency appears to be holding potential bargains and steals in 2011.  The Raiders appear to be in the hunt for a corner back, which should be the only position where the Raiders should spend top dollars.  After that, the Raiders should seek reasonable contracts.  The players listed could come at reasonable prices, but it is possible that another team could overpay.