The Oakland Raiders need help on defense like Kanye West's public relations manager needs a vacation. The team ranked 21st in yards allowed per game (359.3) and dead last in points (28.2). They finished 30th in sacks (22) and 28th in rushing touchdowns allowed (17). I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
Due to Oakland's gaping holes on defense and gobs of salary cap space this offseason (roughly $50 million), it's only natural that they've been listed as an interested party in the Ndamukong Suh sweepstakes. However, ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson believes Oakland would be best served by staying away from the All-Pro defensive tackle.
"However, the dynamic Detroit Lion is simply one of several defensive lineman who are about to hit free agency," Williamson wrote. "While Suh is clearly the prize of the position, there are other more affordable options at defensive tackle. The Raiders, who want to add a veteran to line up aside promising second-year player Justin Ellis, could very easily pursue one of these players."
Rumors are that Suh is seeking out the richest contract ever given to a defensive player. While Oakland may be flush with cap space, the team might be reluctant to hand out that kind of deal. As Williamson mentions, there are other quality defensive lineman on the market who could be had for much less money.
"Terrance Knighton: He may make the most sense of this group," Williamson wrote. "Knighton played for new Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville and Denver, and Knighton has voiced his desire to play for Del Rio again. He is an above-average player who would make an impact in Oakland."
If the Raiders aren't interested in Knighton, they could look to Suh's 27-year-old teammate Nick Fairley for help. Fairley has a high ceiling, yet also a low floor.
"Fairley has big ability. But he has had consistency problems on the field and some issues off of it. There are reasons to like Fairley and reasons to be wary of him."
Williamson goes on to mention Henry Melton and Jared Odrick as other possible free agent targets. Bottom line: the Raiders have options. They don't need to feel like it's Suh or bust in free agency. There are other ways to improve the team's defense this offseason.
