5 players not named Jimmy Garoppolo the Raiders should sign in Free Agency

2. The Las Vegas Raiders should sign RT Jawaan Taylor in free agency

Regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Silver and Black in 2023, they must upgrade the right side of their offensive line. Jermaine Eluemunor got better as the season progressed but he’s expected to become a free agent. Re-signing him wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive but if he leaves, the Raiders should then consider making an upgrade at right tackle.

There will potentially be a handful of quality right tackles available in free agency. Mike McGlinchey and Jawaan Taylor will be the top two but Las Vegas should target the latter. A second-round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft, Taylor struggled early in his career, giving up an average of 33 pressures in each of his first three seasons.

However, the former Florida Gator put it all together in 2022, giving up just 11 total pressures and five sacks, the lowest marks in his career. Moreover, he earned a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 76.4. Another reason the Raiders should pursue Taylor is that he hasn’t missed a single game over the last four years, making 66 starts in a row.

In a sport in which availability is the best ability, Taylor’s clean bill of health will make him an appealing option for teams in need of help at right tackle. Securing him won’t be cheap though. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Taylor is “expected to have a massive market” for his services and will command a salary of $17 million or $18 million per season.