3 free agents the Raiders should be targeting in 2021 offseason

3. Anthony Harris, S, Vikings

If the Raiders end up doing an overhaul on the back end of their defense (cutting Lamarcus Joyner, Jeff Heath; letting Erik Harris walk) they will undoubtedly need to be looking at this deep safety group in free agency.

Anthony Harris, frankly, could be the prize of the entire crop given Raiders rival Justin Simmons is likely returning to the Broncos on the franchise tag.

Anthony Harris has quietly been one of the best safeties in the NFL over the past few seasons. After picking off six passes in 2019, Harris was franchise tagged by the Vikings in 2020 and ended up setting a career-high with 104 total tackles.

Over the past three seasons, he’s had tremendous ball production as a free safety with 24 total passes broken up along with nine interceptions. He didn’t have any picks in 2020, but Harris’ history of making plays on the ball is probably more indicative than last year’s sample.

The Raiders need players on the back end of their defense who can create opportunities for the offense. Although they would probably have to sacrifice elsewhere to make a big-money move like this, a player like Harris could be a necessary upgrade for this Raiders team in free agency.