Oakland Raiders: Making decisions on in-house free agents

S Reggie Nelson, Unrestricted

Reggie Nelson’s tenure with the team probably should’ve ended after the 2017 season. On film, he looked too slow to react and unable to close on deep throws in his area. Still, the 35-year-old re-signed on a one-year deal as a player familiar with Guenther’s system dating back their days in Cincinnati.

After playing 98.75 percent of defensive snaps during the 2017 campaign, Nelson lined up for 35.99 percent and started seven contests in 2018. There’s a red arrow pointing down on his career trajectory. He’ll turn 36 years old in September, walking toward the sunset of his career. Thank him for his time in Oakland because it’s likely over.

Verdict: Walk

S Erik Harris, Restricted

Quietly, safety Erik Harris put together a solid season. He served as a special teams ace during the 2017 campaign and made the most out of his defensive snaps last year. The 28-year-old logged 36 solo tackles, seven pass breakups, two interceptions and fits the description of a Gruden Grinder.

Outside of the Raiders fanbase, Harris has gone unnoticed, but he’s a solid tackler and frequently found his way toward the action. If he’s not in on a takedown, it’s his awareness when the ball is in the air that may stand out in certain games. He’s not a complete playmaker yet but could provide quality depth and solid coverage in sub-packages.

Verdict: Tender, re-sign