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Raiders 3 bargain free agents to sign before 2022 NFL Draft

By Sayre Bedinger

Las Vegas Raiders: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) tripos back to pass as Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) rushes during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders bargain free agent no. 2: Justin Houston, EDGE

The veteran pass rusher Justin Houston could make a return to the AFC West to be the top backup pass rusher for Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Although he’s not the star pass rusher he once was, Houston is still an outstanding option on a limited snap count (less than 600 snaps last season).

For proof of that, just take a look at the numbers. Houston managed to rack up 24 pressures, 4.5 sacks, 12 knockdowns, and 17 QB hits on those limited snaps.

As of right now, I think the Raiders have a strong case has having maybe the best pass rush duo in the NFL, but if one of Maxx Crosby or Chandler Jones goes down, the Raiders could struggle to get them one-on-one opportunities.

A player like Justin Houston can really help with that.

The veteran has been consistent in his 30s, racking up at least a couple dozen pressures every season over the last handful of years.

Again, the numbers aren’t going to really blow anyone away, but they are valuable over the course of a season and Houston could be the ideal third option for this Las Vegas team.

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