Oakland Raiders Free Agency: Rating The Moves So Far

Curtis Lofton

Oct 13, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) tackles New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Saints 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

This is the best deal of the Oakland Raiders offseason by far on the defensive side of the ball. Nick Roach was the starter coming in to the 2014 season but never recovered from a concussion and the Raiders were forced to play a different below average player at middle linebacker every week. Whether it was Miles Burris or Bojay Filimoeatu, they were outmatched and clearly out of place in the center of the Oakland defense.

In Curtis Lofton the Raiders get a player with tremendous experience and talent at a very good price. ESPN’s Field Yates reports that the deal is 3 years for $18 million with $10 million of that guaranteed. An excellent price for an immediate starter and instant upgrade to the linebacker unit.

In seven years with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, Lofton only had less than 100 tackles in his rookie season. He is a physical player who is excellent against the run although, according to PFF, he is poor in pass coverage. At just 28 years old, Lofton is in the prime of his career and can add some veteran leadership to a very young group of linebackers.

Rating: 9/10

Next: Nate Allen