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Oakland Raiders: 5 Big-Name Free Agents Team Could Still Sign

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:50 p.m. ET

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With the first wave of 2017 NFL free agency in the rear-view mirror, the Oakland Raiders can now hone in on some big-name free agents without the need to overpay.

As of Sunday morning, the Oakland Raiders have only made one signing since the start of 2017 NFL free agency. It's been a surprisingly quiet start for the Silver and Black, a team that was expected to be busy when March 9 finally rolled around.

So far, the Raiders' only addition has been Marshall Newhouse, who essentially replaces Menelik Watson as the backup right tackle. While it filled a need, it's an underwhelming move considering how active Oakland was expected to be. Despite their quiet approach through three days, don't expect it to stay that way for long.

Even with a significant amount of cap space, the Raiders may not be willing to overspend like so many other teams have during the first few days. Instead, general manager Reggie McKenzie could be playing the waiting game, opting to hold out for quality talent at a more reasonable price. If that's the case, it's a wise move for a team that doesn't need a bunch of splashes to be a contender in 2017.

Still, finding answers at a couple of positions would be wise. You can't necessarily rely on rookies to make a big impact, although the Raiders have proven they can get early production out of their draft picks.

For now, let's focus on free agency. With that in mind, I'm highlighting five big-name free agents who could still be in the Raiders' plans. They may not have garnered huge interest in the first few days, but that doesn't mean they couldn't make big plays for Oakland in 2017.

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5. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR – Minnesota Vikings

Prior to the start of free agency, I predicted the Raiders would sign Cordarrelle Patterson. As it turns out, the team actually has significant interest in the dynamic kick returner and former first-round pick of the Vikings.

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According to the Star Tribune's Matt Vensel, Patterson visited with the Raiders this week. While he's also visited with the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears, you have to believe Oakland would intrigue him the most of those three teams. What wide receiver wouldn't want to catch passes from Derek Carr while playing for a Super Bowl?

However, it's also worth noting Patterson said on Saturday that he wants to return to Minnesota. According to the Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson, he stated via Snapchat that he wants to stay with the Vikings, but understands the NFL is a business. Patterson even went as far as putting the ball in general manager Rick Spielman's court.

In the end, though, I don't see Patterson rejoining the Vikings. Chances are, he'll get more money elsewhere, and wouldn't mind playing with a top contender. The Raiders can pay him well and offer him an opportunity to play in the posteason, which makes them a realistic landing spot.

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4. Jamaal Charles, RB – Kansas City Chiefs

One of the Raiders' biggest needs right now lies at running back. With Latavius Murray testing the market and receiving interest from the Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, a replacement must be found.

Unfortunately, most of the options on the market come with their fair share of risks. One of the guys who fits into that category is Jamaal Charles, a former All-Pro runner for the Chiefs. Seeing as he's received minimal interest since becoming available, Charles could become an option for the Raiders in the near future.

We all know Charles can be a star when healthy. Unfortunately, he's been unable to stay off the injury report as of late, playing in only eight games over the last two seasons. His absence from Kansas City's active roster has been due to a troublesome knee, which is never a promising sign for an aging running back.

Still, if he's ready to contribute in 2017, the Raiders would be wise to kick the tires. Charles is an elite talent when healthy, even at 30 years of age. If he can convince Oakland he'll be ready to go by training camp, he'd be well worth a discount "prove-it" deal.

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3. Johnathan Hankins, DT – New York Giants

Arguably the top defensive lineman still available, Johnathan Hankins is sure to make some team very happy next season. Which team that will be, however, remains very unclear with the first few days of 2017 NFL free agency in the books.

Hankins is a young, experienced option at defensive tackle. He wasn't exactly dominate during his four years with the Giants, but there's little reason to believe he can't make a huge impact as a starting defensive tackle. Playing alongside other playmakers like he did in New York would definitely help.

Well what do you know? The Raiders happen to have a couple of big-time talents along the defensive line in Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. Putting Hankins in the middle of that Oakland front four would gobble up blockers in the middle, leaving more room for the aforementioned edge rushers to shine–and vice versa.

The only problem I see with a potential Hankins signing is the financials. The main reason the former second-round pick hasn't re-signed is his asking price, which is expected to be near the five-year, $46.25 million deal Damon Harrison got in 2016 (via SNY's Ralph Vacchiano). However, if the Raiders want to splurge, Hankins would solve their issues at defensive tackle.

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2. Zach Brown, ILB – Buffalo Bills

For the last couple of months, I've been adamant about the Raiders going after Dont'a Hightower during free agency. However, at this point, it appears the New England Patriots are still considered his eventual landing spot (via Albert Breer).

If that is the case, Oakland needs to turn its attention elsewhere. There are several intriguing options out there, including former second-round pick Zach Brown. The Bills' starting middle linebacker is coming off a breakout campaign, and absolutely deserves to be atop the Raiders' wish list for a replacement for Malcolm Smith.

There hasn't been much word on potential interest in Brown so far. However, chances are teams are waiting for Hightower to sign to set the market. When that time comes, I believe the Raiders have to be serious players for his services. I can assure you he'd be a welcomed addition in the middle of the Oakland defense.

Still, there should be significant interest in Brown from around the league. If a washed-up player like Lawrence Timmons can get $6 million annually, I have to believe Brown could get even more. If the Raiders are willing to dish out that type of money, he could soon be donning the Silver and Black.

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1. Adrian Peterson, RB – Minnesota Vikings

As previously mentioned, the Raiders could use an influx of running back talent with Murray likely to split. While Charles is a solid option if the conditions are right, Adrian Peterson may be Oakland's top consideration right now.

It helps that Peterson is interested in taking his talents to the Bay Area. While that's likely due to the Raiders' elite offensive line and contender status, signing him wouldn't be the worst idea. That is, if his asking price isn't too ridiculous—which may be the case considering how the future Hall of Famer seems to overvalue himself.

If the cost isn't too steep, though, the Raiders must think long and hard about bringing Peterson aboard. Although he's had a rough last three seasons, he's still one of the most talented backs in the NFL. When healthy and running behind a decent front five, he is more than capable of striking fear in opposing defenses.

The latest report from ESPN's Adam Caplan stated Peterson's interest in Oakland is more significant than Oakland's interest in him. Even if that is the case, things could change quickly if the running back market starts to dry up. Adding Peterson could be the move that puts this Raiders offense over the top in 2017.