Three offseason moves the Raiders must make
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce.
Entering the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders looked like they were on the upswing, but they failed to fill some of their biggest needs in the NFL Draft and free agency.
Vegas should quickly address its roster holes to recapture momentum and snap a two-year playoff drought. With that in mind, here are three moves the Raiders must make.
Sign safety Justin Simmons
Perhaps Simmons would consider signing with an AFC West rival after the Denver Broncos released him in March.
Two-time Pro Bowler Simmons is still one of the best safeties in the league. In 15 games last season, the 30-year-old logged 70 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defensed. He also allowed a below-average 85.9 passer rating in coverage, per Pro Football Focus.
The Raiders could use an upgrade at safety. In 17 games last season, Vegas’ Marcus Epps had no interceptions and three passes defensed. Tre’von Moehrig, meanwhile, has yet to make a Pro Bowl in three seasons with the Raiders.
Sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Although CBs Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs have emerged as solid starters, the Raiders still need more secondary depth. CB Amik Robertson — who started in 12 games for Vegas last season — signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency.
Former fourth-rounder CB Jakorian Bennett dealt with hamstring and shoulder injuries during his rookie season, limiting him to four starts. When Bennett played, he struggled, allowing an above-average 102.3 passer rating in coverage in 14 games.
Las Vegas drafted Mississippi State CB Decamerion Richardson (pick No. 112) in the fourth round during this past draft. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes his coverage skills need improvement.
Stephon Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year, would strengthen the Raiders secondary. In 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys last season, the 33-year-old logged two interceptions, 13 passes defensed and 68 tackles.
Extend edge-rusher Malcolm Koonce
Former third-rounder Koonce is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Last season, he broke out after Antonio Pierce assumed head-coaching duties in Week 9.
In nine games under Pierce, the 25-year-old pass-rusher recorded eight sacks and forced three fumbles, tied for the sixth most in the league.
Rewarding a player for one year of production carries immense risk, but it could be a worthwhile investment for the Raiders. Koonce could become a game-changer in Pierce’s first season as the full-time HC. Plus, he and three-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher Maxx Crosby may form a formidable tandem.
If Koonce’s upward trajectory continues, the price of a potential extension may increase. So, why wouldn’t the Raiders try to sign him at a potential bargain?
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