HENDERSON – There is no doubt that there was a Patriot Way about the way new things were done. Las Vegas RaidersJosh McDaniels, coach, has built his coaching team. McDaniels was followed by Carmen Bricillo, offensive line coach. Similar with Mick Lombardi, offensive coordinator, and Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks coach. From 2009 to 2015 Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator, was in New England.
It makes sense, then, to consider which Patriots free agents the Raiders could target, given that Dave Ziegler, Raiders general manager, has already cut his personnel teeth in New England.
Right. Here’s a look at six Patriots (one for McDaniels’ Super Bowl rings in New England) that could be Raiders.
Are you not sexy enough?! McDaniels sees the 6-foot-4, 305-pound Karras as an anchor on the interior line, who can play both center and guard. Karras could also be appealing to the Raiders with Tom Cable being replaced by Bricillo. If last year’s draft pick in the first round, Alex LeatherwoodKarras can slide into right guard if he is able to move back to the right tackle
Patriots linebacker Matthew JudonKarras was the one who defined New England’s toughness last year. And what coach wouldn’t want this for his team, he said. Karras, who will turn 28 next week would not break the bank.
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Seriosity? You could go on. Hoyer, however, wouldn’t be. Derek CarrHis replacement — he would be more of a backup to Carr, and someone to help Carr transition to McDaniels’ offensive system. Hoyer (37 years old) is very close to McDaniels, but he has also established family roots in New England. It might be difficult for him to move across the country. You should really be wary of Tom Brady and/or Jimmy GaroppoloHoyer is the only QB who knows McDaniels’ system as well as Hoyer.
We’re now talking. But, Jackson’s heady contract is a good deal. It’s difficult to imagine Ziegler or McDaniels paying such a high premium considering they are just starting their venture. Jackson is still one of the most interesting free agents this year. For the most number of interceptions by any player since 1970, Jackson has 25 in total, eight of which were last season.
Jackson, 26, was a Pro Bowler who was also selected for the second-team All Pro team last season. With 32-year old Casey Hayward Jr. Also, a free agent is available. Trayvon Mullen Jr. Jackson would be able to solidify Las Vegas’ position if he is only able to play five games because of injury. But at what cost?
Yes, Raiders are cornerstone-free. Tre’von MoehrigLast year’s second round pick was. Strong safety Johnathan AbramMcCourty is returning from a season-ending shoulder injury. McCourty is 5-10 and 195 pounds. He has 31 career interceptions. However, he is not a safety you want to have in your box. Graham’s base defense is 3-4 tendencies. Nickel is the new craze. McCourty turns 35 in August, and has only been with New England since the Patriots drafted them in the first round of 2010.
He has served as a team captain in every one of the past eleven seasons. He has also started every single game in the 188 regular-season. He has also played in 24 playoff games, which is tied for fourth most in NFL history after Brady (47), Jerry Rice (29) or Peyton Manning (27) McCourty’s NFL record of 11,446 snaps has been achieved since 2010. McCourty could also be a good fit for the right price, especially since he has played an NFL-high 11,446 snaps since 2010.
McDaniels’ classic third-down pass-catching back… If McDaniels feels more comfortable with McDaniels being with a 30-year old coming off a season ending hip injury than signing a 28-year-old. Jalen Richard. White, 5-10 and 205-pounds, who was part the Patriots All-Dynasty team. TeamWith 87 catches for 751 yard in 2018, he also set single-season franchise records. He also holds three single game Super Bowl records: receptions (14), most point scored (20) as well as most touchdowns (33) — all against the backdrop of the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Should the Raiders opt for White over Richard, then a vet minimum agreement might be a good option.
Pro Bowler, the Raiders’ middle linebacker, is an already alpha for their team. Denzel PerrymanGraham’s new plan might mean that they may be looking for another player. Hightower, a 6-3, 265-pounder, turns 32 next week. His versatility allows him to play both on and off of the line. However, McDaniels might prefer Graham use a more athletic and sleek multiple defense to make Hightower’s abilities obsolete.
Another one… just for giggles.
Do not laugh or dry heave. Brown was able to get the Raiders the money he desired in 2019. However, he did not live up the contract and played in only 16 of 32 Raiders games. He was then traded to New England. Raider Nation screamed “Good riddance!” The 6-8, 380-pound Brown can be motivated and dominate the right tackle.
It is rare that this happens. He missed eight games in New England last season after injuring his calf in the opener, but he kinda, sorta crawled to victory. What if Brown, 29 years old, was motivated enough to play right tackle with the Raiders and keep Leatherwood in? Imagine all the possibilities. Nah, never mind. You can start laughing or not.