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Even after a number of noteworthy additions, the Oakland Raiders could still look to sign a few bargain players before 2017 NFL Free Agency is in the books.
We're more than a week into 2017 NFL Free Agency, and the Oakland Raiders have made a few solid additions as they look to remain contenders this upcoming season. However, I wouldn't be surprised if general Reggie McKenzie still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
I'm sure the focus at this point is on making further additions via the 2017 NFL Draft. They've made their moves via free agency, and have enough draft assets to fill most of the remaining holes in the roster. That, however, doesn't count out another couple of moves being made before late April arrives.
There happens to be a number of bargain-bin players who could make an impact in Oakland. While I wouldn't go as far as calling them potential starters, but the talent is there for them to pitch in a few plays from time to time in 2017.
With that in mind, let's take a look at a few underrated options for the Raiders as 2017 NFL Free Agency winds down. These may not be household names, but I can assure you they're all at least worth a flier at this point in the offseason. It's not like Oakland doesn't have the cap space to make a couple of low-cost moves right now.
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5. Jordan Hill, DT – Jacksonville Jaguars
At some point this offseason, the Raiders need to add a capable interior pass rusher. They've failed to do so up to this point in free agency, and most of the big names already have shiny new contracts. So what's the plan for Oakland at defensive tackle?
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Maybe wait until the 2017 NFL Draft to address the issue? It's an option, but you can never truly rely on a rookie to get the job done. While that's still the most realistic choice, the Raiders could choose to hedge that bet by bringing a low-risk, high-upside free agent into the mix.
This is the definition of a bargain-bin signing. Jordan Hill is a former third-round pick whose career has been dragged down by injuries. However, in the few instances he's been healthy, Hill has been an impact player. Just ask the 5.5 sacks he notched with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014.
Since that season, though, Hill has struggled to get himself back on track. He managed only 10 appearances in 2015, and saw only 42 snaps in 2016 after bouncing between the Seahawks, Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars. However, if he can get healthy and stay there, Hill could emerge as a capable interior presence for the Oakland defense.
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4. Duke Ihenacho, SS – Washington Redskins
Surprisingly, there are still a number of intriguing safeties available on the open market. As it so happens, the Raiders could use some added safety depth with the departures of Nate Allen and Brynden Trawick this offseason.
Instead of overspending on someone like T.J. McDonald or Lardarius Webb, the Raiders could opt to add a talent like Duke Ihenacho. While he's no high-upside talent with the potential to develop into a star, the former undrafted free agent has more than enough ability to serve as a quality No. 3 safety.
While known more for his run support skills, Ihenacho is an underrated asset in coverage. He's coming off a 2016 campaign with the Redskins during which he earned exceptional marks from Pro Football Focus for his abilities against the pass. He made a notable impact on the D.C. secondary, and would do the same in Oakland if signed.
The Raiders could depend on Keith McGill and an incoming rookie to serve as depth behind Karl Joseph and Reggie Nelson. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the answer this unstable secondary needs right now. Bringing a talent such as Ihenacho aboard, though, could help Oakland right the ship in terms of their pass defense.
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3. Christine Michael, RB – Green Bay Packers
Right now, the Raiders appear desperate for help at running back. After meeting with the aging Adrian Peterson, they've now turned their attention to wooing Oakland native Marshawn Lynch out of retirement (via ESPN's Adam Schefter). The move reeks of desperation if you ask me.
In that case, why not sign the guy who was once seen as the heir apparent to Lynch in Seattle? Christine Michael may not be a superstar by any means, but we've seen that he's capable of making a play or two in the NFL. Plus, it's not like he'd cost much to bring to Oakland for the 2017 season.
A former second-round pick, Michael has been hot and cold throughout his four years in the league. After flaming out in Seattle, he's bounced around before landing a brief stint with the Packers late last season. During that time, he flashed more intrigue while putting together a couple of strong outings for Green Bay.
With the Raiders, Michael wouldn't be expected to carry the load. Instead, he'd be able to handle early-down work while sophomores DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard picked up the slack on passing downs. It would be a good opportunity for him to prove what he can do when given an extended opportunity, especially behind a quality offensive line.
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2. Sio Moore, ILB – Arizona Cardinals
When the Raiders initially traded Sio Moore back in 2015, it came out of left field. The former third-round pick appeared destined for a strong season in Oakland, but was instead shipped to the Indianapolis Colts for a sixth-round pick.
Since then, he's hit some bumps in the road. Injuries and off-field issues in Indy led to his eventual release, which then saw him make short stops with the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals. Now back on the open market, Moore could find an opportunity to take his talents back to the Bay Area.
At this point, the Raiders could use some more reliable depth at linebacker. It just so happens Moore has 29 NFL starts under his belt, and also provides excellent value on special teams. Plus, there's the obvious familiarity with the Silver and Black.
Although Moore has turned into a bit of journeyman, I believe his career could come full circle this offseason. He's had some time to grow as a professional, and brings good value to the table at a reduced price. If the Raiders are interested in adding some quality depth to the linebacking corps, Moore could very well be the guy to do so.
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1. Alterraun Verner, CB – Free Agent
Up to this point, the Raiders have failed to address one of their biggest needs–cornerback depth. While they could easily do so during the 2017 NFL Draft, I believe adding an experienced cover man would be a wise decision at this point in the process.
Realistically, Oakland has two capable starters in Sean Smith and David Amerson. However, both are coming off average 2016 campaigns. To top it off, the Raiders lost No. 3 cornerback D.J. Hayden to the Detroit Lions, leaving them with little in the way of reliable depth. After sporting the No. 24 pass defense a season ago, they must find more talent at cornerback moving forward.
Enter Alterraun Verner, a former All-Pro who lost his way during his three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was recently made a cap casualty, and appears to have lost his touch after breaking out with the Tennessee Titans in his first four seasons. While his recent play is discouraging, Verner was once a rising star in the NFL.
Considering his status as a falling star, though, he could likely be signed for a huge discount. If the Raiders want a high-upside option at cornerback, signing Verner seems like a no-brainer. Hand him a one-year "prove it" deal and see if he can regain his previous form.
