The Oakland Raiders did not make any blockbuster signings on the first day of free agency, but that may not be true come day two. There are reports that the Raiders will be hosting free agent defensive end Justin Tuck from the New York Giants and linebacker LaMarr Woodley from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Both guys are veterans who possess a good amount of experience and success. Woodley had injury issues last season that caused him to miss five games, and his production in the remaining 11 was not great. He looks like he is on the backend of his career, but his experience would be good for the development of the young linebackers on the squad. But the only way a deal makes sense is if it is one of Reggie McKenzie’s short-term signings. Woodley is not worth a big paycheck or a long deal.
Tuck, on the other hand, is an exciting prospect for a Raiders team that failed to get pressure on the quarterback from their front four. Tuck tallied 11 sacks in 2013 for a struggling team. He may be 30, but he’s still producing at a high level. The Raiders lost their best defensive lineman in Lamarr Houston when he signed with the Chicago Bears, but replacing him with Tuck would be a serious upgrade to the position.
What about the secondary? Glad you asked:
Not only is Giants DE Justin Tuck visiting the Oakland Raiders today but so is Giants CB Terrell Thomas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2014
But wait, there’s more:
Defense day: Besides Tuck and Woodley, #Raiders are also in on Henry Melton and BJ Raji, per sources. (But I think Melton goes to #Cowboys)
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 12, 2014
Many believe that Melton is destined to land in Dallas, but the fact that the Raiders are showing interest is promising. If the Raiders can come away with one of these guys and bring back Pat Sims from last season, they would already have an upgraded interior defensive line. If they could also bring back Vance Walker, they would have a nice rotation at defensive tackle along with second year talent Stacy McGee.
Things will only continue to heat up in Oakland as free agency progresses and asking prices drop. That is when McKenzie will be really active.
