NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Oakland Raiders: 3 Free agents who could provide immediate impact

By Maurice Moton

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 22: Nick Perry #53 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after recording a sack in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on October 22, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 22: Nick Perry #53 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after recording a sack in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on October 22, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jamie Collins Sr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after missing an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jamie Collins Sr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after missing an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

LB Jamie Collins

The Raiders signed linebackers Brandon Marshall and Vontaze Burfict to fill out the linebacker corps. In 2018, both players went through down years, mostly because of injury.

Burfict had been on the decline following the 2016 campaign. In 2017, he logged 48 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups through 10 starts. Last year, the Pro Bowl linebacker recorded 16 solo takedowns and three passes defensed in seven starts. His history of suspensions and concussions should provide enough reason to add reinforcement at the position.

The Cleveland Browns released Jamie Collins to avoid a $10.5 million cap hit for the upcoming season. After a three-year stint with the New England Patriots, his production slipped a bit, partially because of a torn MCL during the 2017 campaign. He put together a decent — not spectacular — 2018 term, leading the club in solo tackles (73) in addition to 13 tackles for a loss, four sacks and an interception.

Collins can bolster the second-level run defense for a team that sorely missed nose tackle Justin Ellis last year because of sprained ligaments in his foot. Secondly, he’s quick enough to read and react in the middle of the field. Guenther could use him on designed blitzes if necessary.

If Burfict continues to show a sharp decline in his performances, the Raiders would have another veteran to call upon while Jason Cabinda and Te’von Coney develop through the season. Collins is a solid rental with consistent starting experience in different schemes. His versatility will allow him to adjust on the fly.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders