Grading Oakland Raiders' Free-Agency Plan so Far

As expected, the Oakland Raiders travel a conservative route through free agency. Running back Adrian Peterson listed the Silver and Black as a top destination, but the interest seems one-sided, per ESPN's Adam Caplan. 

Oakland hasn't chased highly sought-after free agents on the market. Instead, the front office retained a few undrafted free agents and focused on offensive depth.

What's the deal with general manager Reggie McKenzie's reduced free-agent market activity?

The Raiders still have a financial cloud hovering over the roster with quarterback Derek Carr, edge-rusher Khalil Mack and offensive guard Gabe Jackson deserving extensions in the near future.

Secondly, Oakland only lost three players who started at least 10 games in the previous year. McKenzie, who comes from the Green Bay Packers' front-office branch, will likely address those vacancies during the draft.

However, a missed free-agent opportunity could sting as much as a poor signing. At times, the decision to not pursue a player equals a good contract decision.

We'll grade each free-agent signing and decision after Day 6 of free agency.

3 Exclusive-Rights Free Agents Receive Tenders

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According to CSN Bay Area reporter Scott Bair, the Raiders attached tenders to three exclusive-rights free agents. On an expiring contract, these players have two or fewer years active in the league.

Wide receiver Seth Roberts, offensive lineman Denver Kirkland, tight end Gabe Holmes and defensive back SaQwan Edwards fall into this category. Edwards didn't receive an offer.

McKenzie deserves credit for simply finding these undrafted gems. In two seasons, Roberts amassed 70 catches, 877 yards and 10 touchdowns as a productive surprise in the passing game. Yes, he's wildly inconsistent; he'll drop non-contested receptions, but that's expected from an undrafted player.

Roberts didn't come into the league with a strong collegiate pedigree like Amari Cooper, who played at Alabama. He came out of West Alabama and created his opportunity through training camp in 2015. The undrafted free agent will battle competition for the slot position during the offseason. Nonetheless, his added value as a downfield blocker cements his roster spot.

After tight end Lee Smith went down with a broken leg in the previous season, Kirkland took the field at tight end, tackle and his natural guard position. He brings valuable versatility to the offensive line and should continue contributing to the depth in the trenches. 

Holmes will likely have an opportunity to fill Mychal Rivera's role at tight end. He's flashed at training camp but hasn't recorded a regular-season reception. Expect the Raiders to add competition as opposed to handing over a roster spot to Holmes. 

Grade: A

Marshall Newhouse Signs 2-Year Deal

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On Friday, the Raiders signed their first free agent with a modest two-year, $3.5 million deal for offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse, per Spotrac.

According to Newhouse, via San Jose Mercury News reporter Jerry McDonald, an open competition at right tackle drew the former New York Giant to Oakland. 

"My agent and I were kind of pinging back and forth, had a couple of teams in play, and he mentioned the Raiders," Newhouse said. "They were coming off a great season, had an opening at right tackle and definitely my ears perked up."

Menelik Watson's departure and Austin Howard's offseason shoulder surgeries create an opportunity for Newhouse, although Caplan sees Vadal Alexander and Kirkland as the primary candidates to fill the position.

Through training camp, a four-man competition at right tackle should bring out the best in each player. If healthy, Howard should be considered the favorite to start Week 1. Consider Alexander, who filled in at the position during the previous season, as the alternative.

Newhouse started his career primarily as a left tackle. After struggling to hold the right tackle spot with the Giants in 2016, he'll probably settle in as Donald Penn's backup.

Grade: C

Cordarrelle Patterson Signs 2-Year Deal

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Late Monday, the Raiders made a second free-agent market splash, which adds more depth at wide receiver and a top-shelf kick returner for special teams.

Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson signed a deal worth $5.2 million in the first year, but he can opt out and test the market if he hits certain production thresholds, per USA Today’s Tom Pelissero.

Based on the contract framework, there's encouragement for Patterson to perform at his best despite earning $5 million guaranteed for the 2017 season. It's an equally fair deal for the player and team.

Immediately, Patterson's presence in the return game further elevates the Raiders' special teams unit—a far cry from a weak position group during the 2015 campaign. 

The No. 29 overall pick in the 2012 draft never panned out as a complete wideout with the Minnesota Vikings.

Instability at the quarterback position likely contributed to Patterson's unimpressive receiver numbers. He never eclipsed 500 yards as a pass-catcher with Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder, Teddy Bridgewater as a rookie or Sam Bradford under center through four seasons.

During Bridgewater's sophomore campaign, Patterson only saw two targets throughout the entire year.

In Oakland, Patterson will have more opportunities to flash as a wideout. He will push Roberts during training camp and likely share targets in the slot during the regular season.

Grade: A

Sluggish on Top Veteran Linebackers

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McKenzie leans on the draft to fill priority needs, but it's quite surprising see little free-agent activity with decent linebacker talent on the market.

The Raiders need two starters at the position, and the draft doesn't provide a deep linebacker class compared to other position groups such as defensive back and interior lineman.

Linebacker Malcolm Smith signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Aldon Smith's name resurfaced in off-the-field headlines, and Neiron Ball's extensive injury history followed him into the pros.

The Raiders can't simply rely on the draft to address their linebacker woes. Even the best prospects will need some time to develop and find their groove on a team with three defensive minds pulling different strings on schemes and the weekly game plan.

Linebackers Dont'a Hightower, Kevin Minter and Zach Brown remain available. The front office should be able to work out a deal with one of the three. Each free agent offers coverage ability on running backs and tight ends in space.

Grade: F

Not Showing Much Interest in Adrian Peterson

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As mentioned, Peterson wanted to don the silver and black colors, but the Raiders didn't express the same interest in the 31-year-old back, coming off a three-game season due to injury.

Many fanbases would love to see a future Hall of Famer sign with their squads, but front offices don't want to pay a steep price tag for a ball-carrier older than 30.

Peterson probably has two more years left in the tank, but general managers would prefer longevity over a short rental.

On Tuesday, running back Eddie Lacy, who hasn't been in the best shape, signed with the Seattle Seahawks, per SportsTrust Advisors. He inked a deal the day after Peterson left Seattle without a contract. The former Green Bay Packer rushed for just 1,118 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, but he's only 26 years old.

Furthermore, a stacked running back class allows the Raiders to address Latavius Murray's departure in April. There's no doubt Peterson would upgrade the backfield, but he comes at a much higher cost than a productive rookie, who could fill the void.

Kudos goes to McKenzie for not falling for a soon-to-be 32-year-old star running back on the decline.

Grade: A

Not Replacing Dan Williams, Yet

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The team doesn't owe defensive tackle Dan Williams guaranteed cash over the last two years on his deal. After a solid 2015 campaign, he briefly fell out of the starting lineup. Through the year, his snaps increased, but his play remained subpar.

Williams lost his edge as a 300-plus pound gap-stuffer. The Raiders run defense ranked No. 23 in the league. In the process, the linebackers also struggled in the second level as running backs knifed through the defensive line.

The front office didn't make a concerted effort to pursue defensive lineman Chris Baker, who signed a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Stephen Paea, who inked a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. 

The decision not to sign a veteran defensive lineman isn't a total loss due to a deep draft class at the position. However, Mario Edwards hasn't played through full seasons due to injury, and the team's 2016 second-round pick, Jihad Ward, struggled mightily on the field.

Oakland can lean on the draft to add a dynamic defensive tackle who can stop the run and provide an interior pass rush. However, the free-agent market provides options at a decent price. The Raiders could release Williams and recoup $4.5 million to pay a proven veteran as an upgrade at the position.

Grade: C

Stats provided by NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.