Hue Jackson: Free Agents He'll Target on the Open Market
Hue Jackson is in as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. So, for the next two seasons (until he gets fired), Jackson has a pretty manageable task. The AFC West is competitive, but there are no dominant teams.
The Raiders finished an impressive 8-8 (by Raiders standards anyway), which means they can challenge for that division.
But to do that Jackson will need help. Luckily, there are going to be some top level talent on the free agent market. Jackson wonโt be able to nab everyone, but he does need to cast a wide net.
Hereโs a look at who he should be setting his sights on in free agency.
15. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
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How He Helps:
Heโs the best shut down corner in the NFL (all apologies to Darrelle Revis) and he was a Raider. If it werenโt for the stupid clause in his contract, heโd still be a Raider.
The Raiders much-improved defense needs Asomugha. Heโll cost them a pretty penny, but heโs worth it.ย
14. Davin Joseph, OG
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How He Helps:
The Raiders need help in their pass blocking. With a series of sub-par quarterbacks coming through the ranks, itโs important for the line to give them all the help they can get.
Joseph was sidelined by a fractured foot this season but was terrific when healthy. If the Raiders can get some money together, they could have him at a bargain.
13. Doug Free, OT
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How He Helps:
Free is one of the best young tackles in football. He has been sensational for Dallas this season. Itโs not likely Jerry Jones will let him go, but if he does, the Raiders would be fools to pass him up.
While heโs a decent run blocker, heโs a great pass blocker. ย Heโll help in a conference that is filled with formidable pass rushers.ย
12. Cullen Jenkins, DE
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How He Helps:
Jenkins is a staple in that Green Bay pass rush, but heโs also going to be an expensive buy for the Packers. On a defense with so many high profile players, Green Bay might not be able to scrape together the cash to make him stay.
The Raiders on the other hand, would love a guy like Jenkins. Not only can he rush the passer, but heโs a solid run defender as well.
For a team that was 29th in run defense, they could use that kind of help.ย
11. Anthony Adams, DL
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How He Helps:
When you play on a defense with Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, and Brian Urlacher itโs easy to get lost in the shuffle. Adams has been a huge part of the Bears pressure up front, and heโs come in and played well against the run.
The Raiders should be playing the 3-4 next season and Adams is only 30. Heโs got some miles left on those legs. In the right system he will shine.
The Raiders could be that system.ย
10. Brandon Mebane, DL
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How He Helps:
Heโll cost you more than Anthony Adams, but heโs worth more. The Raiders need help against the run and Mebane is as good as they come.
He was instrumental in the Seahawks run defense. The Raiders wonโt win games giving up as many yards on the ground. They must get better. Mebane can help.ย
9. Stephen Tulloch, LB
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How He Helps:
Tulloch did good things for the Titans this season. Heโs a good player, but not elite.
This means that if Tennessee doesnโt want him back, heโll be a bit of a bargain.ย
8. LaMarr Woodley, LB
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How He Helps:
Heโs an important part to a potent Steelers defense. His 10 sacks this season make him as effective against the pass as against the rush.
Itโs not likely the Steelers will part company with him, but it wonโt hurt the Raiders to see if heโs listening.ย
7. Danieal Manning, S
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How He Helps:
The Raiders donโt need much help in their safety spot, so they donโt need to spend big money there. Thatโs why Manning makes sense.
Heโs a veteran with kick return potential, and heโs well versed in the 4-3 defensive scheme. Heโd be a great addition to the team.ย
6. Atari Bigby, S
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How He Helps:
Heโs likely not going back to the Packers. Heโs been too injury prone, and his replacement Charlie Peprah will be cheaper to retain.
When healthy, heโs a good player. Oakland can afford to take a chance on an injury prone guy in their secondary.ย
5. Carlos Rogers, CB
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How He Helps:
Itโs unlikely Asomugha is coming back. If the Raiders are looking for a cheap but strong option, then look no further.
Rogers was a good cover corner in Washington. While he has stone hands, that shouldnโt keep the Raiders from looking at his asking price.ย
4. Zach Miller, TE
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How He Helps:
Charity starts at home. For the Raiders itโs about getting Zach Miller back.
They could take a shot at a tight end like Owen Daniels, but they can probably get Miller at a discount.ย
3. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB
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How He Helps:
Itโs shooting for the moon, but Bradshaw will look at whatโs out there.
The Raiders have a pretty solid running game, but the addition of Bradshaw turns them into an elite rushing team and makes them an instant playoff pick.ย
2. Braylon Edwards, WR
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How He Helps:
The Jets like him, and if they win the Super Bowl heโll be a big reason why.
Just donโt expect him to stay.
The Raiders could use a guy like Edwards. He can make a big play and add another dimension to their passing game. If they only had a quarterbackโฆ..
1.Michael Vick, QB
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How He Helps:
Itโs clear how he helps. The question is how do they get him?
The Eagles, if they donโt lock him up long term (and thatโs a strong possibility) they will franchise tag him.
If the Eagles donโt though, then the Raiders should throw the world at Michael Vick. A quarterback like that instantly makes the Raiders a threat for the three seed in the AFC.
If the opportunity comes, they need to strike.ย
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