Oakland Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) reacts during the game against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos won 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders need to do whatever it takes to re-sign impending free agents Jared Veldheer and Lamarr Houston, as they are the two best players on the team and fill out crucial roles. Veldheer is one of the top five free agents available, and he is a fringe-elite offensive tackle with top-notch physical tools and excellent pass blocking. Meanwhile, Houston is one of the league’s best 4-3 defensive ends in run defense, and he’s a quality pass rusher despite his low sack totals. If the Raiders aren’t able to re-sign both, then they will have two big needs to fill with their copious cap room (DE is already need as it is).
There are already teams showing interest in Houston, as expected, with the tampering period in full swing, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Green Bay Packers “are among those interested” in Houston. Rapoport didn’t divulge the other interested teams, and rumors regarding Houston’s free agent interest have been quiet at this point. In fact, this is the only report that I’ve spotted, and it was in a reply to somebody asking if a Houston-Packers rumor were true.
Even though the Packers run a 3-4, Houston is still a fit, as he could slide in comfortably as a 3-4 defensive end due to his run defense and strength. He would be an upgrade over Ryan Pickett as a pass rusher, and he and the underrated Mike Daniels would form an excellent defensive end duo as a three-man front.