NFL Free Agency Rumors: Raiders To Sign Former Rams Safety Lamarcus Joyner

Daniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand
2 Min Read
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and new general manager Mike Mayock have been busy so far this offseason, first reportedly trading for All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown and then reportedly signing left tackle Trent Brown to a record-breaking contract for an offensive lineman.

While both were big offensive upgrades, the Raiders still had a defense that ranked 26th in total yards allowed, 19th in passing yards allowed and 30th in rushing yards allowed last season. The Oakland defense gave up an average of 29.2 points per game, which ranked dead last in all of football.

Knowing that upgrades need to be made ion that side of the ball, Gruden and Mayock struck on their first free agent signing, reportedly inking former Los Angeles Rams safety Lamarcus Joyner to a four-year contract, per Adam Schefter of ESPN:

Joyner was a second-round pick (41st overall) of the Rams in 2014 out of Florida State. He started out as a nickel cornerback but has played each of the last two seasons at free safety.

At just 5-feet, 8-inches tall, Joyney will join up with Karl Joseph (5-feet, 10-inches) to form one of the shortest safety duos in the league.

The Raiders still have three first-round draft picks at the disposal this year, with multiple of them expected to be used to help bolster that defense.

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Daniel Starkand is a graduate of Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for RaiderssNewswire.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com, DodgerBlue.com, and RamsNewsire.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com