Raiders Will Look to FA for Linebacker Help

At last, the first wave of the off-season is here. Well, almost. The NFL Scouting Combine doesn't count as it doesn't affect the teams right now. Free Agency (Feb. 27th) is what we're talking about here folks.

The Raiders have some holes to fill defensively. A good step forward for them should be to dump Terdel Sands. Got to be one of the worst playing nose tackles in the league. At that size, being pushed and taken out of the play is ridiculous and embarrassing. The release of Sands, Kwame Harris and Ronald Curry will free up some cap space for the Raiders to make a few moves, but not big ones as they made out horribly last year. They may also require Javon Walker and Gerard Warren to re-structure their deals, as both have hefty salaries.

Their defense needs help, and a lot of it. They can't stop the run to save their lives, and can't get a pass rush most of the time. With all valuable defensive linemen being too highly coveted, I expect the Raiders to wait til the draft to address the interior of the defensive line as well as adding a solid defensive end with Derrick Burgess having a contract year. As for their linebacker corps, it has a couple holes. One at strong side linebacker, as well as middle linebacker (if you want to know why Kirk Morrison doesn't cut it, please read one of my other articles titled, "Raiders Linebacker Kirk Morrison a Liability") if they choose to replace or move Morrison.

Here is the list of free agent Strong and Middle Linebackers that could make an impact on defense while signing at a lower price:

-Clark Haggans OLB/SLB
-Willie McGinest OLB/SLB
-Bart Scott ILB
-Takeo Spikes ILB
-Mike Peterson MLB
(J. Vilma was not listed, I believe he'll be re-signed)

Now, any of these individuals above could make an impact. Clark Haggans was a force with the Steelers, then was injured with the Cardinals this year. He's a good player and if signed would fill the void at strong side linebacker. McGinest may retire, but with his former linebacker coach Mike Haluchak joining the Raiders and the appeal of going to the Raiders (as many have) before you retire, that enough might make both sides agree on a contract if McGinest doesn't hang it up.

Bart Scott will probably command too much money but is a solid player nonetheless, so scratch him off the list. However, a good signing would be Takeo Spikes. Who flew under the radar last year as a 49er. The guy had a decent stint managing 96 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. If the 49ers don't re-sign him, Raiders would be wise to take a look as he's only 32-years-old.

Mike Peterson had a bad go with the staff in Jacksonville this past year, but is still a solid player and veteran presence. The only thing about Peterson is that he's had the injury bug and the last year he played injury free was 2005. Spikes or Peterson would be a solid addition to the defense, along with their leadership qualities.

The run defense has been very poor for five years for the Raiders, and will continue to be unless the Raiders address the situation. Granted, they need a nose tackle before anything but there isn't any players in free agency solid enough to fill that role. Kirk Morrison could hold onto his job or possibly make a switch to strong side linebacker, depending on what the new Raiders defensive coaching staff thinks.

One thing is for sure for the Raiders, that they need a solid nose tackle and at least one more linebacker who can actually help stop the run as well as make tackles. Something the Raider front seven hasn't been best with.