Things will be very interesting in the AFC West in 2016. The defending Super Bowl champs will break in a new quarterback. The Oakland Raiders have hit a home run in free agency. Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs both made small waves in signings.
So after the first week of free agency, who is the winner in the AFC West?
The Oakland Raiders, hands down!
Oakland Raiders- Grade A-plus
Additions- Kelechi Osemele, LT; Sean Smith, CB; Bruce Irvin, OLB
Subtractions- Curtis Lofton (released); Rod Streater (signed with Chiefs); Tony Bergstrom (signed with Houston)
Outlook: The Raiders found three starters in free agency that are major upgrades for positions they needed. Shelling out $64.4 million in guaranteed money has to produce dividends in 2016. General manager, Reggie McKenzie stated, “it’s good to see people call us and not always have to beg.”
The Raiders are the franchise that free agents want to play for. They have a great coach, great coordinators and a nucleus of young talent that will allow them to be a factor in the AFC for the next several seasons. The Raiders still may not be done yet. Free agent safety Eric Weddle will make his decision on Monday and Oakland could be his new destination.
Releasing Lofton makes the Raiders thin at linebacker so they will need to add in free agency or draft a young stud. The loss of Streater and Bergstrom doesn’t hurt at all as they were part-time players.
photo courtesy via Zimbio
Other Options: The Raiders need help at running back. They struck out on Chris Ivory and Doug Martin. I’m not sure how they would mesh with Latavius Murray who has proven to be a great running back. The Raiders should look to Alfred Morris who has been very efficient since he came into the NFL. Behind a good offensive line and in a shared duty role, Morris could return to the level when he rushed for over 1,600 yards as a rookie. He thrives in a zone blocking scheme and has great vision. He complements Murray well.
Percy Harvin could be another option at wide receiver. He would be a great number three receiver in the slot playing with Michael Crabtree and Armani Cooper. Harvin best days are behind him and health is a concern, but playing in Oakland could be the juice that he needs to revive his career.
The Raiders need to re-sign Donald Penn. Bringing back Penn guarantees the Raiders with the top offensive line in the NFL. Even if it is a short term deal, the Raiders need to get him back in the fold. If they can’t get Penn back, then Kelvin Beachum from Pittsburgh could be an option as well.
With Lofton being released, Zach Brown from the Titans could be picked up. As a reserve in Nashville, he registered 76 total tackles and two interceptions. He is only 26-years old and will fit in the Raiders defensive scheme.
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