3 free agents the Raiders should be targeting in 2021 offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders are not exactly in the best position in the NFL when it comes to available cap space ahead of the 2021 free agent signing period.

The Raiders are, at present, more than $7 million over the projected salary cap of $180 million. That number could rise as high as $185-188 million in the coming days, but for the time being, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden may need to look into some ways to create space.

The good news for the Raiders is, they have plenty of guys who have low dead money hits and can provide some substantial cap relief. After cutting veteran wide receiver Tyrell Williams, some other high-profile players could soon be let go by the Raiders.

Raiders possible remaining cap cuts

• OT Trent Brown ($14 million possible savings, 0 dead money)
• QB Marcus Mariota ($11.35 million possible savings, 0 dead money)
• DB Lamarcus Joyner ($8.7 million possible savings, $2.5 million dead money)
• OG Gabe Jackson ($9.6 million possible savings, 0 dead money)
• S Jeff Heath ($3.15 million possible savings, 0 dead money)

It’s probably not overly likely we will see the Raiders let go of all of these players, but there is no question about the fact that this team has to get better on the defensive side of the ball and they will need to make some moves in free agency to do just that.

Here are three possible 2021 free agents the Raiders could target.

1. Larry Ogunjobi, DL, Browns

Dan Quinn is coming in to run the Raiders’ defense, and he’s inheriting a unit that has significantly underachieved when it comes to the amount the team has invested and the results they have provided, especially in terms of the pass rush.

Veterans Johnathan Hankins and Maliek Collins are free agents after playing 615 and 455 snaps respectively.

There is a chance they could come to the conclusion that one or both would be good fits for Quinn’s defense, but Mike Mayock should be selective and look for upgrades where possible.

Despite combining for over 1,000 snaps, Hankins and Collins had a combined one sack and five QB hits. The sack came from Hankins and so did four of the QB hits. Although Collins was a worthwhile risk in last year’s free agency circuit, the Raiders should be looking for upgrades.

One worthwhile shot in free agency perhaps on a short-term deal?

Larry Ogunjobi of the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns might be interested in JJ Watt-sized upgrades themselves, so there’s a decent chance Ogunjobi will hit the market. In the last three seasons, he has 13.5 sacks and 34 quarterback hits. His potential as an interior rusher is tremendous and he’s only going to be 27 this summer.

If the Raiders could get Ogunjobi to buy low, he would be a tremendous value for them potentially.