NFL Free Agency 2020: Grades for every team after first wave

Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have done a better job this offseason than they have in any to this point of either’s tenure. The Raiders defense should be markedly better after adding Cory Littleton, Eli Apple, Maliek Collins and Nick Kwiatkoski, all of whom were signed to nice contracts that don’t hurt the team in any major way.

Additionally, the Raiders also were wise in inking Marcus Mariota to an incentive-laden deal. Derek Carr remains a question mark for the silver and black, so bringing in high-end competition could help the offense, as could Nelson Agholor on a minimum deal.

It wasn’t the greatest offseason that anyone has seen and, frankly, the Raiders still need to make a long-term decision at quarterback and improve the offense as a whole, particularly at wide receiver. But overall, these have been moves in the right direction for Las Vegas, save for signing Jason Witten for reasons that remain unknown.

Every move that the Los Angeles Chargers have made this offseason has been quite impressive. It started with inking Austin Ekeler to an incredibly friendly four-year deal. They then shored up the offensive line by trading oft-injured veteran Russell Okung for Trai Turner and then signing Bryan Bulaga. Furthermore, Chris Harris Jr. and Linval Joseph will have a big impact on the defense and franchise tagging Hunter Henry was critically important.

The only reason that the Bolts don’t get an “A+” or outright “A”, however, is that they are planning to start Tyrod Taylor at quarterback right now. And while Taylor is a steady veteran and high-end backup, he limits the ceiling of an otherwise dangerous team after their free agency moves. So without fully replacing losing Philip Rivers, the Chargers can’t get top marks for the offseason.