The Oakland Raiders offseason is in full swing and the free agency rumor mill is cranking for the Black Hole. While much of the focus to this point in the offseason has been on filling out the coaching staff, the team is now switching their attention to free agency.
The Raiders enter 2018 with $23.3 million in cap space, which is the 20th most in the NFL. This will likely mean the team will have to either cut big name players or not spend as much in free agency. With that, here are four free agents the Raiders could sign this offseason.
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4.) Justin Pugh, OT, New York Giants
The Raiders right tackle position struggled this past season. Marshall Newhouse was signed to handle the role but didn't fare well and once Vadal Alexander filled in for Newhouse he didn't play well either. Insert Justin Pugh who will be one of the best blockers in 2018 free agency. The former first-round pick didn't have the best season in 2017, but that may be more to blame on the rest of the Giants offensive line, rather than Pugh.
3.) Adrian Clayborn, DE, Atlanta Falcons
The Raiders need to find another pass rusher they can pair linebacker Khalil Mack with. Early in Clayborn's career health was a concern but has been a solid player for the Falcons defense the past three seasons. He had a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2017, which means he won't be cheap. His versatility would also allow the Raiders to get creative, which new head coach Jon Gruden will love.
Watch: Top 25 NFL Free Agents In 2018
2.) Malcolm Butler, CB New England Patriots
The Raiders finished the season with the 26th ranked pass defense, largely due to the poor performance of its top two corners, Sean Smith and David Amerson. Malcolm Butler collected only $3.9 million from New England in 2017, but should be expecting something in the range of $12-$14 million annually on his new deal. Butler in 2017 had 60 combined tackles, 12 PBU's, three FFs, two INTs, and one sack. Smith is a likely cut this offseason since the Raiders would save $8.5 million in cap space and Amerson may get cut also, which would save Oakland $6 million.
1.) Kyle Fuller, CB, Chicago Bears
As stated above, the Raiders corners struggled last year and cutting them would save Oakland $14.5 million in 2018. Kyle Fuller had a great season in 2017 with 69 combined tackles, 22 PBUs and two INTs. Fuller is entering his fourth year in the NFL and since his first-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, he has been a disappointment. However, coming off a solid year for the Bears, Fuller will be looking to get paid and he may be franchise tagged by Chicago. If he isn't tagged by the Bears, look for Oakland to try and steal Fuller from under the Bears' nose
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