The Las Vegas Raiders have several needs they need to address on the roster during free agency, though they got off to a decent start as they reportedly agreed to terms with Jimmy Garoppolo.
Quarterback was the biggest question mark for the Raiders after they released Derek Carr, but they seemingly have their short-term solution in Garoppolo who reunites with Josh McDaniels. With the signal caller situation resolved, Las Vegas can now turn to other areas on the team.
Defensively, the secondary could use a boost as they were one of the most inconsistent units during the 2022 season. While Las Vegas has some talented players in Nate Hobbs and Tre’von Moehrig, they need an infusion of talent and experience to help take them to the next level.
The front office understood this and they acted quickly as they’ve already reportedly come to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps on a two-year deal via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:
The #Raiders are signing safety Marcus Epps to a two-year, $12 million deal with nearly $8M guaranteed, per source.
Epps, 27, started all 20 games for Philadelphia last season. Now he cashes in. pic.twitter.com/wX40uLhdNf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023
Las Vegas didn’t stop there, though, as they are also reportedly bringing in a familiar face in Brandon Facyson via Vincent Bonsignore of Las Vegas Review-Journal:
The @Raiders have come to terms on an agreement with DB Brandon Facyson
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 13, 2023
Epps was a valuable member of the Eagles squad that made it all the way to Super Bowl LVII, playing in a career-high 1,095 snaps during the 2022 season. In the regular season, Epps recorded six passes defensed, one forced fumble, and 94 total tackles including four tackles for loss. A noted run defender, Epps will bring a level of veteran savvy and physicality to the Raiders defense.
Meanwhile, the Silver and Black bring back Facyson who spent last year with the Indianapolis Colts where he appeared in 16 games, starting four of them. It was a subpar year for Facyson who recorded only 26 tackles compared to the career-high 55 tackles he had with the Raiders the year prior.
Epps should slot in as the starting safety opposite of Moehrig while Facyson figures to be in the cornerback rotation. Both players should have roles with Las Vegas for the 2023 campaign, but the team is far from done revamping the roster. It’ll be interesting to see what other moves the front office has up its sleeves.
