The Oakland Raiders have the chance to be spenders in free agency this offseason with the cap space they have and some potential targets include Julius Thomas, Michael Crabtree, Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and DeMarco Murray along with trade options for Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson and Mike Wallace and those could be big moves to help Derek Carr in 2015.
The Raiders have been stuck in the mud over the past decade and they are hoping to build a foundation that can help the team get back to its winning ways. Reggie McKenzie has had to break down the salary cap with bad contracts over the past few seasons and while the team had a ton of cap space last year, they did not go crazy and that actually was a wise move. The team signed Justin Tuck, James Jones, LaMarr Woodley and other players, but they did not break the bank.
That was a wise move because the free agent class for 2015 is much better than last year and that gives the Raiders a chance to make a splash. While the team may not be able to sign big names like Demaryius Thomas or DeMarco Murray, the team should be able to compete with the Broncos and Cowboys for their services if they so choose. The team may look at adding players on the offensive side of the ball, as Derek Carr showed some great potential and needs more playmakers. The team has options like Frank Gore, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Murray as well as lesser-named players like Eddie Royal, Cecil Shorts, Knowshon Moreno or Michael Crabtree.
The Raiders also have options on the defensive side of the ball with Walter Thurmond, Darrelle Revis and Ndamukong Suh on the market. Suh is the most likely option, as the team has money to spend and a glaring need on the defensive line. Suh has a dirty player reputation and he likely would be embraced by the Raiders fan base and he could also transform the defense into one of the worst against the run to one of the best. Suh is one player that has the ability to change a whole defense, as he is an All-Pro at his position.
Suh is coming off of another solid season with 8.5 sacks and he helped the Lions have the top rush defense in the league, allowing just 70 yards per game. According to ESPN.com, the Lions are going to make a run at Suh, but it will be difficult to keep him since he wants a big contract. Adam Schefter reports that Suh is looking for "JJ Watt" money and could command up to $50 million guaranteed and $100 million on his contract.
Cobb and Maclin are interesting options for the Raiders, as those two could leave their teams this offseason. The Raiders need playmakers and Cobb would be a great option, as he is explosive and also can return kicks on special teams. Cobb is coming off of a career year with 91 catches for 1287 yards and 12 Tds and he came back from an injury with no issues. Maclin is in almost the same boat, as he set career highs the year after coming back from an injury with the Eagles, making over 80 catches as the leading receiver on the team.