If the Oakland Raiders plan on taking advantage of their loaded roster, making some big additions during 2017 NFL Free Agency needs to be on their agenda.
The Oakland Raiders finally took a step forward in 2016, asserting themselves as a team worth taking seriously. While an untimely injury cost them a shot at a deep playoff run, a strong showing during 2017 NFL Free Agency could get this team over the hump.
So who should they be targeting when March 9 rolls around? There are a number of intriguing options set to be available this offseason, and the Raiders have several areas in need of addressing. With about $42.7 million in cap space available (via Spotrac.com), Oakland has more than enough spending power to make a splash or two.
Free agency is about more than just splashes, though. It's also about finding the role/depth players. They may not get the glory or break the records, but they play an important part in turning a contender into a champion. Remember, it's not always about how many stars one team has—sometimes it's about how many capable contributors are available, especially when injuries pile up.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five players I'm predicting the Raiders will sign during 2017 NFL Free Agency. They wouldn't all be splash signings, but they would certainly bring incredible value to a team on the verge of contention this upcoming campaign.
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5. Marcus Cooper, CB – Arizona Cardinals
We all know the Raiders need help at cornerback heading into 2017. Unfortunately, the market this offseason is very top heavy, and Oakland is already spending a lot of money at the position. I'm guessing they won't be interested in adding another $10 million-plus contract at cornerback.
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Instead, they could choose to spend one of their early-round picks on a cover man. It makes sense, especially considering how loaded the 2017 draft class is at cornerback. Not only would there be more upside in taking that route, but it wouldn't cost nearly as much.
That, however, only partially solves the problem. Rookie cornerbacks often struggle to contribute significantly in the NFL, meaning the Raiders can't necessarily rely heavily on any incoming talent. Hence, the signing of an experienced, playmaking cornerback during free agency makes plenty of sense.
Marcus Cooper is no star—he never will be. However, he has four years and 54 games worth of experience. During that time, he's hauled in seven interceptions, broken up 32 passes and notched 136 tackles. This signing wouldn't fix the Oakland secondary overnight, but it would provide much-needed depth while adding some ballhawking skills.
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4. Mike Remmers, RT – Carolina Panthers
One way or another, the Raiders must add some more reliable options at right tackle this offseason. Relying on the injury-prone Austin Howard simply can't be the plan of attack in 2017, especially if Oakland wants to field one of the NFL's best front fives again.
Unfortunately, the options at right tackle are a bit limited. The 2017 free agency class is thin at offensive tackle, with most options falling into the "serviceable" or "backup" categories. One guy who could surprise as a dependable starter, though, is Mike Remmers.
Not a big name by any means, Remmers is a proven starter with the ability to hold his own on the right side. What I think makes him a viable option for Oakland, though is his ability to stay healthy for an entire season. For the last two years, he's been starting for the Panthers and hasn't missed a single game in that time span.
Will he be a revelation at right tackle? Not at all. However, Remmers is a tough, dependable option on the right side. Realistically, that's all the Raiders actually need at this moment. As long as he can stay healthy and provide consistent blocking for the Oakland offense, he'll be an upgrade over Howard.
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3. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR – Minnesota Vikings
I previously predicted the Minnesota Vikings will sign a couple of the Raiders' free agents, so why not return the favor? For starters, it seems as though a dynamic weapon like Cordarrelle Patterson may be a welcomed addition in Oakland.
For his first three seasons, Patterson was essentially an afterthought in the Minnesota offense. A speedy receiver with raw route running and subpar football IQ, the former first-round pick struggled to live up to the hype early. However, in 2016, he enjoyed a bit of breakout season as the Vikings looked for more offensive playmakers.
As it so happens, the Raiders could use some more depth at wide receiver right now. They have two stars in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, but there's a big dropoff in talent behind them. Unless Oakland wants to continue relying on the inconsistent Seth Roberts as the No. 3, some offseason additions seem inevitable.
Patterson is still raw, but has the natural abilities to be a star. Catching passes from Derek Carr and running routes alongside Cooper and Crabtree may just be enough support to bring out the best in him. Plus, he's an electrifying returner, which the Raiders could definitely use heading into 2017.
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2. Calais Campbell, DT – Arizona Cardinals
At this moment, it's unclear what the future holds for Calais Campbell. The Arizona Cardinals have some desire to bring him back, but may not have the cap space to do so after franchise tagging Chandler Jones. Assuming that's the case, it could open a door for the Raiders to pounce.
Despite his 30 years of age, Campbell is still one of the most dominant interior defenders in the game. He's coming off another monstrous season in Arizona during which he racked up 53 tackles, eight sacks and three fumble recoveries. There's simply no denying he's still an impact player.
The Raiders head into 2017 with a huge need at the three-technique. While Campbell his spent his entire NFL career in a 3-4 front, he could easily slide inside and still wreak havoc from the defensive tackle spot. Even if the transition is bumpy (unlikely), he'd be a huge upgrade over Dan Williams or Jihad Ward.
Campbell isn't going to come cheap. There will be plenty of pass-rush needy teams looking to add the mountainous man to their defensive line. However, with their sizable amount of cap space, the Raiders should have enough to get the Cardinals' star under contract. Their standing as a serious contender in 2017 will help convince him to bring his talents to the Bay Area.
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1. Adrian Peterson, RB – Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings got two, so the Raiders get two in return. And if this prediction comes true, they'll essentially be swapping running backs. Depending on how things pan out, though, I believe Oakland would be getting the better end of the deal.
He may be 32 years old, but Adrian Peterson is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. Time and time again, he's proven capable of overcoming the odds with a relentless work ethic and unparalleled level of natural talent. Just imagine the damage he could do behind this Oakland offensive line.
After the Vikings declined his 2017 option on Monday, the Raiders immediately began popping up in conversations about potential landing spots (via ESPN's Josina Anderson). With Latavius Murray headed for free agency, it made sense for the team to go looking for a suitable replacement. I can assure you Peterson fits the bill, even if his long-term outlook isn't promising.
When healthy and behind quality blocking, Peterson is one of the best in the business. He's got tremendous speed and burst in the open field, does a great job of reading and reacting to his blocks, and knows how to create yards with power. While he isn't much of a receiving threat, the Raiders have that covered with youngsters DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.
One way or another, the Raiders need to sport a stronger running game in 2016. While I don't think re-signing Murray would be the worst idea, Peterson would give them a more dynamic option. Plus, Oakland makes sense for the former NFL MVP considering their Super Bowl prospects.
