Oakland Raiders will host Rob Jackson
Washington Redskins linebacker Rob Jackson (50) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders have been busy signing pass rushers this offseason, as they inked Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley during the first wave of free agency and are eyeing an edge rusher during the second wave of FA. According to the Washington Post’s Mike Jones, the Raiders will host Jackson on a free agent visit some time this week, and it’s going to be interesting to see if the backup to Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan inks with a team that runs the 4-3.
Jackson recorded 19 tackles and two sacks with an interception last season in 12 games, as he was slapped with a four-game suspension in the offseason. When Orakpo was injured in 2012, Jackson was an able replacement with 4.5 sacks and 38 tackles to his name, and he also looked incredibly athletic in coverage with four picks and seven passes defended.
With the Raiders or any other team, Jackson would have the ability to step outside of Orakpo’s and Kerrigan’s shadows, as he was an excellent backup for the Redskins and has the ability to be a quality starter for another team. He wouldn’t project as a starter for the Raiders, but he would come cheap and would be a terrific backup for a Raiders defense still in need of depth and talent. If the 28-year-old does end up signing with the Raiders, it will be interesting to see if he plays as a DE or OLB in the 4-3 scheme.