LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders walks onto the field for the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Raiders need to add the right free agents to make the playoffs in 2021. Signing one of these three players would be a bad gamble for Las Vegas.
If the Raiders want to crash the NFL’s postseason party in 2021 then they’ll need to enjoy a very productive offseason. Adding talent through April’s draft won’t be enough to bolster Jon Gruden’s roster. It’s imperative that Las Vegas sign the right free agents if they want to make the playoffs next season.
That also means the Raiders need to avoid spending big money on the wrong free agents. That will require the team’s front office to save Gruden from his own worst impulses. He’s a head coach who wants to turn over a massive portion of his own roster on an annual basis. The front office must exercise more caution.
Raiders fans should keep a close eye on the following three players when free agency gets heated up. Signing any member of the trio will turn out poorly for Las Vegas.
3. Matthew Judon
If the Raiders’ defense is going to improve in 2021 they need to generate more pressure from their front seven. Judon has a strong history of racking up sacks in Baltimore, but he doesn’t do enough other things on the field to justify the contract he’s going to get in free agency.
Instead of going for a one-trick pony like Judon, the Raiders should focus their attention on landing an edge rusher that can help strengthen their efforts against both the run and pass. That could best be achieved early in the draft, but free agency will also be a consideration. Overpaying Judon would represent another mistake at edge rusher for a team that desperately needs to improve its defensive line.