By nearly all accounts, the Oakland Raiders are ready to spend big once the NFL's free agency period opens in March - which is not entirely surprising considering the team enters the offseason with over $54 million in cap space, a number of holes to fill on the roster and a new head coach in Jack Del Rio looking to add players who fit his scheme and philosophy.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Del Rio and GM Reggie McKenzie have two major focuses on the eve of NFL free agency - courting Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and adding weapons for young franchise signal-caller Derek Carr.
"Expect the Raiders to be in the Suh derby as well, and they, too will be looking for assets to pair around young quarterback Derek Carr," writes La Canfora.
The Raiders interest in Suh has been rumored for quite some time. He's expected to command top dollar if he hits the market and the Lions have been thus far unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him to a long-term deal - the franchise tag number, in the vicinity of $27 million, is prohibitive.
If they can't get him signed, look for the Raiders to make a major play for his services.
As for weapons to pair with Carr, Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb is expected to hit the market - La Canfora notes that Green Bay has turned their focus to other free agents at this point - and is a player the team is reportedly planning to "make a run" at. Broncos tight end Julius Thomas is another option that would seem to be a fit for the Raiders, though two top pass-catchers, looking to break the bank on the open market, could be a tough sell to management in one offseason.
There is also another lesser known offensive addition the team is reportedly eyeing, per La Canfora - Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson.
"He came this close to signing a four-year extension during the season that would have been worth $6M a season -- very good money. I bet he ends up with at least $7M a year in free agency, however, and I continue to hear the Raiders are looking hard at him."
The former second-round pick has started 31 games for the Chiefs over the last two years. He's in his fourth season out of Florida State. With the team expected to let Stefen Wisniewski - taken seven spots ahead of Hudson in the 2011 NFL Draft - hit the open market, Hudson could be a ready replacement.
