Terrell Thomas also visiting Oakland Raiders
New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (24) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders didn’t re-sign Jared Veldheer, Lamarr Houston, or Rashad Jennings, and it’s been an incredibly disappointing start to free agency for Reggie McKenzie, who also overpaid for Rodger Saffold. They lost Jennings to the Giants, keeping injury-prone and inconsistent RB Darren McFadden around on a one-year, incentive-laden deal instead. The Raiders could poach away a free agent or two from the Giants, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Raiders are hosting Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas as well as veteran defensive end Justin Tuck, who is still expected to re-sign with the Giants. The Raiders have plenty of cap space, though, so it is possible they could end up paying more than the Giants, but they are at a severe risk for overpaying (I’m not sure how many people trust McKenzie to make the right decision).
There’s no doubt that the Raiders desperately need to make big upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, and they have massive holes at DE and CB. Thomas and Tuck would be nice upgrades, but even signing both of them still wouldn’t appropriately fill their needs.
Although he isn’t as good, Thomas should come at a cheaper price than Tuck, because he isn’t as big of a name and is an injury-prone CB. I think the Raiders should make sure to sign a true No. 1 CB if they add Thomas, and that could be a solution at the position. Thomas is 29, and he’s a physical CB who excels in run defense. That said, he isn’t anything more than a good No. 2 option at his best.