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NFL Free Agency 2019: Predicting the Oakland Raiders biggest moves

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 30: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots reacts during the third quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 30: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots reacts during the third quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Aggressively Pursue Trey Flowers

Here’s a no-brainer prediction. The Raiders, who desperately need pass-rushers, will target defensive end Trey Flowers. Yes, a groundbreaking revelation.

Flowers will hit the open market as arguably the top ascending talent at defensive end. The Raiders could also pursue Ezekiel Ansah or add Cameron Wake as a designated pass-rusher on third downs, but remember what Gruden said about the team’s free-agency plan on JT The Brick’s podcast.

"“We’re not looking to add players that are at the end of their career,” Gruden said. “We’re looking for blossoming young players. Those guys usually don’t get to free agency.”"

Ansah will go into his age-30 campaign, coming off shoulder surgery. His 12-sack 2017 season is sandwiched between two lackluster terms. He logged six combined sacks in 2016 and 2018.

Wake logged six sacks last year with the Miami Dolphins, but he turned 37 in January. He could play a similar role to Justin Tuck, who suited up for the Silver and Black between 2014-15, but the Raiders should aim a lot higher at a depleted position. Oakland has the cash flow to take an aggressive approach in filling a major need.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Flowers underwent a minor shoulder surgery, described as a “clean-up” procedure. There’s no need to ring the alarm bells about his health. The front office will likely do its homework on the matter as well.

Flowers should have a healthy market. If he’s looking to reap the benefits of his sack production, 21 over the last three seasons, the 25-year old may be looking for the best possible deal. Spotrac projects the fourth-year veteran could make $15.7 million annually on his next contract, which would elevate him to sixth among defensive ends in salary.

Flowers isn’t just a pass-rusher, he can also set the edge against the run and shift inside in sub-packages. The Arkansas product would immediately become the best player on the Raiders defensive line. It’s a move in the right direction toward winning in the trenches.

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