The Oakland Raiders have slowly started to improve their defense with a number of small moves this offseason, including by bringing in linebacker Kevin Burnett while also cutting veteran Michael Huff and the team could still have moves to make.
According to ESPN.com, the team signed Wheeler away from the Miami Dolphins and could also be looking at upgrades in the defensive backfield after cutting Huff, with cornerback Nmamdi Asomugha and Brent Grimes both being possible. The team also could use more bodies on the defensive line after losing Desmond Bryant to the Browns in a five-year deal, making free agent Dwight Freeney another option.
The Raiders have a tight financial situation, but the team has been working with quarterback Carson Palmer to restructure his deal so that they have some more flexibility when it comes to signing more players. They brought in Burnett to help counter the loss of Philip Wheeler to the Dolphins and Grimes could serve the same purpose for the team.
The Raiders cut Huff to save money and the team could get Grimes at a decent price, as teams have not gone after him hard yet since he is coming off of a serious injury. Grimes hurt his Achilles last season and played in just one game, but he has been the most consistent cornerback for the Falcons for a number of years.
Grimes made the Pro Bowl in 2010 after playing in every game and making 70 tackles with five interceptions and he has also been a consistent cover corner during his time with the Falcons. The team was mentioned in Darrelle Revis trade rumors and since the Falcons don't have much cap space either, he could end up moving somewhere else.
Asomugha had a rough two seasons in Philadelphia since signing a big contract and he could head back to the team that drafted him in the Raiders. Freeney could also be an interesting possibility, since he could come a bit cheaper than some of the other defensive ends on the market due to his age.
The Raiders ranked in the bottom part of the league on defense and needs more talent if they want to upgrade for next year. The team went just 4-12 and allowed over 230 yards passing and 115 yards rushing per game. The team cut their former first round draft pick in Darrius Heyward-Bey and ProFootballTalk.com reports that he could be on his way to the Jets.
He had a down year in 2012, making 41 passes for 606 yards with five touchdowns, decreasing from his 64 catches one year before. The Jets need playmakers and he could provide a deep threat for Mark Sanchez or whoever ends up starting next season in New York.
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