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 won’t be able to nab everyone, but he does need to cast a wide net.
Here’s 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:
He’s the best shut down corner in the NFL (all apologies to Darrelle Revis) and he was a Raider. If it weren’t for the stupid clause in his contract, he’d still be a Raider.
The Raiders much-improved defense needs Asomugha. He’ll cost them a pretty penny, but he’s worth it.
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, it’s 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. It’s not likely Jerry Jones will let him go, but if he does, the Raiders would be fools to pass him up.
While he’s a decent run blocker, he’s a great pass blocker. He’ll help in a conference that is filled with formidable pass rushers.
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12. Cullen Jenkins, DE
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How He Helps:
Jenkins is a staple in that Green Bay pass rush, but he’s 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 he’s a solid run defender as well.
For a team that was 29th in run defense, they could use that kind of help.
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 it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Adams has been a huge part of the Bears pressure up front, and he’s come in and played well against the run.
The Raiders should be playing the 3-4 next season and Adams is only 30. He’s got some miles left on those legs. In the right system he will shine.
The Raiders could be that system.
10. Brandon Mebane, DL
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How He Helps:
He’ll cost you more than Anthony Adams, but he’s 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 won’t win games giving up as many yards on the ground. They must get better. Mebane can help.
9. Stephen Tulloch, LB
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How He Helps:
Tulloch did good things for the Titans this season. He’s a good player, but not elite.
This means that if Tennessee doesn’t want him back, he’ll be a bit of a bargain.
8. LaMarr Woodley, LB
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How He Helps:
He’s an important part to a potent Steelers defense. His 10 sacks this season make him as effective against the pass as against the rush.
It’s not likely the Steelers will part company with him, but it won’t hurt the Raiders to see if he’s listening.
7. Danieal Manning, S
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How He Helps:
The Raiders don’t need much help in their safety spot, so they don’t need to spend big money there. That’s why Manning makes sense.
He’s a veteran with kick return potential, and he’s well versed in the 4-3 defensive scheme. He’d be a great addition to the team.
6. Atari Bigby, S
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How He Helps:
He’s likely not going back to the Packers. He’s been too injury prone, and his replacement Charlie Peprah will be cheaper to retain.
When healthy, he’s a good player. Oakland can afford to take a chance on an injury prone guy in their secondary.
5. Carlos Rogers, CB
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How He Helps:
It’s 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 shouldn’t keep the Raiders from looking at his asking price.
4. Zach Miller, TE
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How He Helps:
Charity starts at home. For the Raiders it’s 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.
3. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB
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How He Helps:
It’s shooting for the moon, but Bradshaw will look at what’s 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.
2. Braylon Edwards, WR
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How He Helps:
The Jets like him, and if they win the Super Bowl he’ll be a big reason why.
Just don’t 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 quarterback…..
1.Michael Vick, QB
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How He Helps:
It’s clear how he helps. The question is how do they get him?
The Eagles, if they don’t lock him up long term (and that’s a strong possibility) they will franchise tag him.
If the Eagles don’t 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.
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