Oakland Raiders impending free agents and top team needs

2 of 4

Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) reacts after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Malcolm Smith, LB

Smith, the former Super Bowl MVP in his days with the Seattle Seahawks, hasn’t been the type of difference maker the Raiders have needed defensively. He has produced pretty well statistically in his two seasons with the Raiders, racking up 225 total tackles, four sacks, and four forced fumbles in that time, but hasn’t graded out very well overall.

In fact, in 933 snaps last season, Pro Football Focus graded him a 47.0, one of the worst grades among free agents this year. Smith is just 27 and will likely latch on somewhere for cheap.

Menelik Watson, OT

Once thought to be a player with incredible upside, the former second round pick out of Florida State isn’t likely to return to Oakland, despite somewhat of a need for a developmental right tackle.

Watson is still young, but as the saying goes, you can’t make the club if you’re always in the tub. Staying healthy has been a huge problem for Watson, who is likely to get a ‘prove it’ deal from someone this offseason.

Nate Allen, S

Once upon a time, Nate Allen was signed to a four-year, $23 million contract. The Raiders nixed that deal and will likely move on this offseason. In two seasons with the team, Allen has started just seven games and picked off three passes.

He’s still just 29, so perhaps a team looking for safety depth could try and sign him on the cheap.

Home/NFL Free Agency