Oakland Raiders: Making decisions on in-house free agents

CB Daryl Worley, Restricted

In 2018, Worley essentially replaced Melvin in the starting lineup mid-to-late season. He finished with 30 solo tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception. The 2016 third-rounder is just 24 years old with untapped upside still left in his game.

Last offseason, the Carolina Panthers waived him and so did the Philadelphia Eagles after a DUI arrest, which also included violation of the uniform firearms act and disorderly conduct. He served a four-game suspension, jumped right into action two weeks later and held his own on the field with the exception of a rough outing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13.

Worley only played eight snaps in the slot, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required); he would permanently move into Melvin’s spot on the boundary and battle an early-round pick for the starting role.

Verdict: Tender, re-sign

S Marcus Gilchrist, Unrestricted

If you looked at the boxscore and didn’t watch the games, you’d think the Raiders have to re-sign safety Marcus Gilchrist. He tied cornerback Gareon Conley for a team-leading three interceptions with six pass breakups.

Gilchrist also missed seven tackles and allowed six touchdown receptions, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The Raiders need an upgrade on the back end at the safety spot.

Unlike Worley, the 30-year-old isn’t an ascending talent at this stage in his career. Look for the Raiders to grab a rookie capable of duplicating Gilchrist’s skill set, the ability to line up at safety or in the slot, someone like Nasir Adderley out of Delaware.

Furthermore, the free-agent pool will feature several starting-caliber safeties such as Earl Thomas, Tre Boston, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Tyrann Mathieu.

Verdict: Walk