Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Oakland Raiders.
2016 record: 12-4 — 2nd place, AFC West
What’s new? They’re coming off a winning season for the first time in over a decade.
Projected salary cap space: $40 million — Just above the middle of the pack.
Key in-house free agents: RB Latavius Murray, LB Perry Riley, DT Stacy McGee, LB Malcolm Smith
They’ll also have to deal with depth defensive backs Nate Allen and D.J. Hayden. Don’t be surprised if the let Murray walk after cutting down on his reps while discovering Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington in 2016. He’ll be overpaid elsewhere. Riley, McGee and Smith aren’t headline-grabbers like Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, but all were key contributors in 2016.
Key needs: Pass-catchers not named Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, linebacker, right tackle
Quarterback Derek Carr could use the support at wide receiver and/or tight end. Meanwhile, an already-weak linebacker corps might lose Riley and/or Smith. And while the line was great, they could use an upgrade over Austin Howard/Menelik Watson on the right side.
Draft breakdown: They hold the No. 24 overall pick and it’s status quo from there.
Other potential priorities: Left tackle Donald Penn is entering a contract year. Then again, Penn is slated to make only $6.4 million and will turn 34 this spring.
Outlook: A healthy Carr is the key, and they’ve got the pieces on place on defense. Don’t look for them to spend a ton, but they do have enough cash to maintain momentum.
