In 2019, the Oakland Raiders went big game hunting on Day 1 of the free agency tampering period, but this year the folks in Las Vegas had to wait all the way until Day 2 — a day that turned out to be far busier than anyone was expecting.
Normally this early in the process teams are just signing the high-end free agents while the depth signings wait to see how the market might shakeout — but on Tuesday, the Raiders took a different approach. After signing a starting linebacker and their backup quarterback on Monday, the Raiders added five more new faces on Day 2…
Cory Littleton, 3 years / $36 million ($22 million guaranteed)
A linebacker that can cover tight ends and stay on the field for all three downs? CHECK.
After striking out on their pursuit of Byron Jones on Monday, the Raiders made the first big move of the day Tuesday by adding Littleton — the best linebacker in free agency. According to PFF, Littleton was the 7th-best linebacker in the league last season, posting the top tackling grade and the eighth-best coverage grade.
Slotting Littleton next to Nick Kwiatkowski, who the Raiders added on Day 1, gives the Raiders a pair of young linebackers (both are just 26) who are entering their prime with a franchise desperate for an uptick in production at the position.
Verdict: simply put, this was a home run. The Raiders missed out on the best corner in free agency but didn’t skip a beat in scooping up an elite talent elsewhere. Even in looking at the cost, it was right in line with expectations — and an even better deal when you compare it to what the other linebackers have received so far.
Jason Witten, 1 year / $4.75 million
If you are looking for the head-scratcher of the day, it belongs here. Despite having two high-end, young tight ends already on the roster (not to mention a really solid No. 3 in Derek Carrier), the addition of Witten doesn’t make a ton of sense on the surface.
Entering his 17th season, Witten should serve three purposes in Vegas: team leadership, mentorship of Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, and maybe some depth production. Primarily, though, I have to imagine this signing has the most to do with No. 1 and 2.
Verdict: I mentioned in regards to Tom Brady that the Raiders may have been interested in part because of the cultural change a guy like Brady would be with him. In a lot of ways Witten will provide the exact same level of help — but at a much lower cost. I don’t expect Witten to contribute a ton ON the field, but for a franchise in need of leadership and stability, Witten should be a valuable asset.
Maliek Collins, terms unknown
Oh don’t worry, the run on Cowboys isn’t done quite yet. Collins wasn’t a guy who was on my radar, but the more I read about him, the more I love the addition.
For starters, it’s safe to assume that new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli likes the guy, given that he’s coached him for the past few seasons. In that time, Collins produced pretty impressive numbers for an interior defensive lineman:
Maliek Collins' 48 total quarterback pressures in 2019 (per @PFF) would've lead the entire Raiders defense. And he plays on the inside. https://t.co/V7wuGPMJ0v
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) March 17, 2020
Verdict: the Raiders already have some solid depth inside — including a couple of young guys that need some more reps and chances to prove themselves (PJ Hall and Maurice Hurst). Collins is the perfect guy to bring into the rotation — a guy who has produced as a pass-rusher, but who shouldn’t expect to walk in as a starter on Day 1. Will be interesting to see the terms of this deal.
Jeff Heath, 2 years / $8 million
Why not add one more Cowboy? Anyone have any questions about how much juice Marinelli has in the building? You shouldn’t!
Like Collins, I see Heath as a nice depth piece — especially at the price point they brought him in at, and it probably means that Karl Joseph is officially done as a Raider. Heath should bring some experience and leadership to a really young defensive backfield — while also contributing on special teams.
Then again, Heath did start 44 times for Dallas over the past three seasons, so maybe he’s got more of a chance than I’m giving him credit for.
Verdict: The Raider roster needed an infusion of talent all over the place, and so you won’t see me complaining about paying a guy who has been a starter on a solid defense for the past three seasons. I imagine that the Raiders are far from done improving their defensive backfield.
Carl Nassib, 3 years / $25 million
Like Collins, Nassib is a sneaky-good signing for a defensive line that needs depth. In the past two seasons, Nassib has recorded 12.5 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss — which isn’t bad for a guy who has been a situational rusher for much of that time.
As far as where Nassib fits in, I imagine him as an upgraded version of Benson Mayowa and another body that will push youngsters like Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key to continue to improve.
Verdict: the more pass-rushers, the better. Nassib has been around long enough that we know he isn’t the missing piece needed to win the Super Bowl, but he’s an upgrade over what the Raiders had last season.
Overall it was a solid day for the Raiders — who still have a ton of cash left to play with as actual free agency kicks off on Wednesday. Chris Harris Jr. remains a big target for the Raiders it sounds like, and wide receiver Robby Anderson is still floating around as well. Stay tuned.
