The Oakland Raiders have put together a strong defensive front over the past couple of seasons. Smart drafting has landed players like Khalil Mack, Justin Ellis and Mario Edwards Jr. Add to that the deft NFL free agent signings of Bruce Irvin, Dan Williams and Malcolm Smith by Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie, and it's not that farfetched to suggest the Raiders may be one of the stouter teams in the NFL up front next season.
Unfortunately, not all of those players mentioned above seem like guys the team can or really should grow with. And that's why the Raiders should look to free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairley to upgrade the interior of their defensive line.
Fairley, still just 27, is entering his sixth NFL season. The former first-round pick hasn't quite lived up to his lofty draft status, but he's an extremely talented tackle who simply needs a bit more prodding than most NFL players. But, as he proved in Detroit playing alongside Ndamukong Suh, if Fairley is given the chance to play with a space/block eater, he can thrive.
In 2012, Fairley collected 34 tackles and 5.5 sacks in just 13 games. In 2013, he upped both totals to 35 tackles and 6.0 sacks.
Fairley has struggled to stay healthy - he's never completed a full 16-game slate - and his lone season with the Rams was a mostly forgettable one, but he's proven to be a disruptive talent in the right system and with the right players around him.
With the Raiders, Fairley would be the perfect complement to a guy like Edwards, who still faces questions of his overall health and ability to continue his professional career. If Edwards is forced to miss time, Fairley can slot in. If Edwards is declared healthy ahead of the 2016 NFL season, Fairley would become the top back-up at several spots along the Raiders defensive line.
And if the worst should happen and Edwards be declared medically unable to continue playing in the NFL, Fairley brings the kind of talent to the position that few other players do. In short, he has starter ability and, while he may be an overall downgrade from Edwards, would still be a mid-level starter with the chance for more.
Really, as was laid out here previously, the Raiders should be considering just about everything to upgrade Williams specifically, and preparing for the worst with Edwards. A Muhammad Wilkerson trade would be ideal, but it won't be easy or cheap to pull off.
If the Jets drive too hard a bargain on Wilkerson, Fairley represents a much cheaper option, in terms of both trade and salary compensation.
Fairley has met with the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints, but is likely seeking the best deal possible. The Raiders have plenty of cash and can offer plenty of snaps to Fairley, and if he's willing, they should certainly give consideration to picking him up.
