Lofa Tatupu to Oakland Raiders?: 4 Reasons This Would Be a Huge Signing

It looks like Lofa Tatupu is getting closer to finding his home for the 2011 season.

According to The NFL Network's Jason LaConfora on August 5, the Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins all have some interest in the former Seattle Seahawks linebacker.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tatupu visited the Raiders on August 1.

If a deal happens between Tatupu and the Raiders, they will have landed one of the last biggest free agents out there—a guy who can be a major addition to their linebacking corps. 

4. Lofa Tatupu Was Running out of Time

The Oakland Raiders may be one of Tatupu's last chances to play in 2011.

It has been a horrible time to be a free-agent linebacker, as many guys have been forced to take short-term contracts just to have a chance to prove themselves.

Tatupu is one of the last linebackers on the market and needs to find a place where he can earn playing time. Playing in Oakland would give him a chance to prove that he can once again play at a Pro Bowl level. 

3. The Raiders Are Weak at Linebacker

Without Tatupu, the Raiders wouldn't exactly have a great group of linebackers. 

Quentin Groves wasn't impressive in 2010, as he only recorded 40 tackles with no sacks. 

Tatupu would help make up for Groves' numbers by supporting Rolando McClain and Kamerion Wimbley. Tatupu is not only great against the run, but he is great against the pass as well, as he has recorded 10 interceptions in his career.

The Raiders' starting linebackers only recorded two last year.

To solidify their defense, the Raiders need another solid linebacker, and Tatupu would give them that.

2. Lofa Tatupu Brings the Toughness Expected of a Raiders Player

The Oakland Raiders have a reputation for being tough, and Lofa Tatupu is just that.

In the late 2000s, there weren't a more feared linebacker on the west coast, and for good reason.

Tatupu is extremely athletic and hits like a freight train. Plus, he's Samoan; the guy gives 100 percent every time he's on the field and never takes a play off.

The Raiders faithful would love him.

1. Both Lofa Tatupu and the Raiders Win If They Sign Him

This could potentially be one of the smartest business moves in recent history for the Raiders.

Tatupu is a guy who was running out of options, and in all likelihood would take a short-term contract at a discount for the chance to prove himself.

The Raiders have a need at linebacker and could potentially be getting a guy who, at the top of his game, is one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

Tatupu has to be stung a bit by what happened to him in free agency and will be dying to prove himself on the field.

Imagine if the Tatupu who averaged 100 tackles and a few interceptions a year showed up in Oakland?

Oakland's defense could suddenly be something to be afraid of.