These are the Free Agents linked to the Raiders in 2017.
Update 13th March: Raiders signed Cordarrelle Patterson from Minnesota Vikings on a two-year deal. The 29th pick overall in 2013 will add to the Raiders already-formidable offensive thrust as a wide receiver or specialist kick returner.
Darrelle Revis
On 1st March the jets informed Cornerback Darrelle Revis that they are releasing him from his second stint in New York. Once one of the NFLs top corners, Revis’ play suffered during the 2016/17 season with several high-profile match-up embarrassments. He’d be a good match at Oakland desperately in need of a strengthened secondary, bringing experience and guile.
Adrian Peterson
On 28th February the Vikings said they would not exercise Adrian Peterson’s contract option for the 2017 season. With their own running back Latavius Murray exploring free agency, AP was immediately linked to the Silver and Blacks. The Raiders certainly have the salary cap to match Peterson’s undoubted high expectations, but surely they need someone better at blocking. However Peterson’s vision is far superior to Murray’s and would complement the young talent of Richards and Washington. Vegas puts the raiders at no higher than ninth favourites to land this future hall-of-famer. And as a final point, Mark Davis has publicly stated his no-tolerance to domestic violence.
Jamaal Charles
Almost everything we said about Peterson applies to Jamaal Charles, without the legal accusations. However, Charles, like AP, has only played 20-odd games in the last three seasons. At one time The Chiefs’ running back would have been a great fit, but surely not in 2017.
Martellus Bennett
It’s no secret the Raiders offence is stacked with talent at quarterback, receiver and running back, Murray’s potential departure notwithstanding. But that talent is missing at Tight End. Clive Walford has shows flashes of improvement his first two years have been a disappointment overall. Martellus Bennet would be an immediate upgrade on both those players. Mychal Rivera is a better blocker than Walford but only recorded 18 receptions for 192yards last season. But surely the Patriots will want to hang on to Bennett?
Update: signed with Green Bay Packers 10th March.
Update 2: Jared Cook signs with Raiders 16th March
Chris Long
Perhaps a more-likely transfer from the Pats is DE Chris Long who took to Instagram on 1st March to say he wouldn’t be re-signing with the Superbowl Champions. With Aldon Smith still suspended and Mario Edwards racking up injuries, the Raiders could certainly use the 31yr-old’s talents.