The Oakland Raiders have the chance to be active in free agency this offseason and players like Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb, Julius Thomas, Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson, Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin could be potential targets for the team, as the Raiders need playmakers on both sides of the ball and they also could look at the release of backup quarterback Matt Schaub.
The Raiders are projected to have over $50 million in cap space and they could free up even more if they release some players into the new league year. The Raiders have a new head coach in Jack Del Rio and he comes in after Dennis Allen was fired during the season. According to ESPN.com, the Raiders are expected to go hard after Cobb, who is hitting the market after a career season with the Packers. The Denver Post reports that Julius Thomas is a main target for the Raiders as well, as he is not expected to be back with the Broncos.
The Raiders have needs on both sides of the ball and Reggie McKenzie will be looking to add talent for Derek Carr on offense. The team has a top five draft pick and many mock drafts have the team looking at Amari Cooper at number four. The wide receiver position is expected to be a main focus, as the Raiders do not have a clear number one and could sign one this offseason. Cobb is a target for the Raiders, while Jeremy Maclin, Cecil Shorts, Michael Crabtree and Hakeem Nicks all could be in the mix.
The running back position is another area of need and McKenzie could look at the draft and free agency if he lets Darren McFadden walk. Last year McFadden signed a one year deal and now he will be a free agent once again. McFadden played in all 16 games for the first time in his career, but after six seasons with the Raiders, he likely will be on his way out. DeMarco Murray could be a target for the team if Dallas doesn't want to pay up, as the Raiders can compete with any offer on the market.
Past Murray there are a number of free agents on the market that the team could sign, including Mark Ingram CJ Spiller, Steven Jackson and Ben Tate. The Raiders could be a target for Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch if they become available, but right now they are under contract with their current teams. Peterson is an option after his suspension was overturned, as reports have his return to the Vikings uncertain. Pro Football Talk reports that the Colts, Cardinals and Cowboys could be potential landing spots for Peterson.
Ndamukong Suh is a potential target, but there is a good chance he remains with the Lions with his major contract demands. According to Pro Football Talk, Suh is asking for up to $50 million guaranteed and wants $100 million overall and while that is a ton, the Lions are interested in retaining him. Suh would be a $25 million plus hit with the franchise tag, which makes a long term deal more of an option. The Raiders may also chase Julius Thomas and could look at clearing some extra cap space by releasing Matt Schaub.
