3. Vontaze Burfict, LB
Despite his reputation and persistent character issues on the field, it was wholly reasonable why the Raiders wanted to bring in linebacker Vontaze Burfict. This is a team that has been sorely lacking at the position for quite some time and, even though he comes with a whole set of problems and loads of baggage, Burfict has proven to be an effective and productive player when on the field.
In the four games Burfict played for the silver and black, he was not a game-changer by any means but he was a solid player. The 29-year-old linebacker totaled 18 tackles with a pass defense in his short stint with Oakland. However, in Week 4 against the Colts, Burfict was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on tight end Jack Doyle and that was all she wrote — and not just for that game.
Due to his repetitive fines and suspensions for dirty hits and dangerous plays, Burfict was suspended for the rest of the 2019 season. He appealed the ruling but it was upheld, thus ending his one season with Oakland. Now he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent and, frankly, he doesn’t deserve another shot from Gruden and Mayock.
This is a team trying to establish a positive culture and, though they must still fill the hole at linebacker — especially with also cutting Whitehead already — the Raiders don’t need a player with the reputation of Burfict on the roster. Even if he cleans up his act, Las Vegas shouldn’t be interested in banking on that happening for them.