Zach Brown has narrowed his choices down to two teams. Along with the Oakland Raiders, which club has the free-agent linebacker's attention?
Many Oakland Raiders fans hurled insults toward linebacker Zach Brown via Twitter after he wrapped up a visit at the team's facility:
He quoted hip-hop artist Moneybagg Yo and went about his way. Though, most took it as a response to a low-ball contract offer. Nonetheless, Miami Herald reporter Armando Salguero reports he's stuck between the Miami Dolphins and Raiders as his top two choices:
Brown has visited multiple teams and his decision is said to be between the Oakland Raiders and Dolphins, although neither team has shown a desire to meet Brown's original asking price — believed to be in the $6 million per year range
Since both teams fall short of Brown's asking price, the highest bidder may win this two-team race. Florida's no state tax allure also factors into the decision if cash is king for the free-agent linebacker.
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The Dolphins have addressed their linebacker corps in a variety of ways. The team signed Lawrence Timmons, extended Kiko Alonso with a four-year deal and restructured Koa Misi's deal, per Spotrac. It's unclear where Brown would fit within this group, but we know he's going to chase running backs and shadow tight ends in coverage.
As for the Raiders, Brown's role seems crystal clear. He'd fill weak-side linebacker Malcolm Smith's spot in the starting lineup. According to Football Outsiders, Oakland allowed 7.6 receptions and 65.5 yards to tight ends per game during the 2016 season.
Overall, the Raiders defense needs fixes on all levels, but the perpetual difficulty in covering tight ends downfield has plagued this team for consecutive seasons. Brown would finally address the intermediate coverage gap in the middle of defensive coordinator Ken Norton's unit.
Through 65 games, Brown logged seven interceptions, 17 passes defensed and 14 sacks. He's a coverage linebacker with the ability to pressure the pocket when necessary.
The Raiders signed Jelani Jenkins, a former Dolphin, to address their short-pass coverage woes. At 24 years old, on his second deal, Jenkins will have an opportunity to carve out a role at a position of need for the Silver and Black. However, Oakland signed him to a modest one-year, $1 million deal, per Spotrac, which suggests he's on a prove-it contract. If Brown signs, he would certainly leapfrog Jenkins as a proven commodity in the league.
There's no rush for Brown to ink a deal. Team decision-makers will meet in Phoenix for the league's annual offseason meetings. The draft still looms about four weeks away. As for his decision, both the Raiders and Dolphins made the playoffs and lost in the AFC Wild Card Round. Miami (10-6) finished with a better defense, but Oakland (12-4) finished with a better record.
What means most to Brown? Is it money, an immediate shot at the Super Bowl, location stability or the makeup of defense units? We'll likely find out within a week or so.
