With just over two weeks until the new NFL year begins, the Las Vegas Raiders have already been connected to a handful of notable players expected to hit the open market.
The team is believed to have interest in signing New England Patriots free-agent quarterback Tom Brady and could be preparing a two-year, $60 million contract offer for the future Hall of Famer.
On the defensive side of things, improving the secondary figures to be an area of focus for the Raiders this offseason. They have shown strong interest in bringing aboard Dallas Cowboys free-agent cornerback Byron Jones, who is expected to command one of the most lucrative contracts during the signing period.
Another potential target is longtime Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who the Raiders and many other teams are reportedly pursuing, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
Raiders ✅ https://t.co/mT8rESpfAT
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 3, 2020
Harris has been an important part of the Broncos’ identity on defense since signing with the franchise as an undrafted free agent in 2011, establishing himself as one of the league’s elite nickel cornerbacks.
In nine NFL seasons, he has tallied 20 interceptions, 86 passes defended, four fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks and 518 tackles in 139 games (121 starts).
Harris started in all 16 games for the Broncos last season, recording one interception, one forced fumble and 56 tackles. He earned a 69.9 grade from Pro Football Focus and proved that he can still play at a high level despite getting up there in age.
Signing Harris would simultaneously strengthen the Raiders’ cornerback corps while depleting the rival Broncos. His veteran presence would also be valuable to a group that is otherwise relatively young, with rookie Trayvon Mullen standing out for his contributions last season.
In addition to Harris, the Raiders have reportedly shown interest in Broncos safety Justin Simmons. He is coming off a career 2019 season, notching four interceptions, 15 passes defended and 93 tackles in 16 games.
The possibility of Simmons joining Harris in Las Vegas figures to be slim, however, as Broncos president of football operations and general manager John Elway recently revealed that the team would franchise tag him if a long-term extension cannot be reached.
