Few positions are more of a need this offseason for the Raiders than cornerback. With Rock Ya-Sin headed for free agency, they have just Nate Hobbs remaining as a proven talent. And with Hobbs’s best work coming in the slot, that means the Raiders will be looking for starters at both outside cornerback spots.
You’d have to think one of those spots will be filled with a free agent addition.
So, here are a few who could fill the need for them.
James Bradberry
Not only is he arguably the top cornerback on the market, he also has strong ties to Raiders defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham.
Graham took over as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants in 2020. And both of his seasons in that job, his full time starting cornerback was James Bradberry. The first of those two seasons saw Bradberry go to the Pro Bowl.
The seven-year pro has 18 career interception and has never had a season without one. This includes having at least three interceptions in each of his past four seasons. He’s also averaged 16 pass breakups the past four seasons. That includes his two seasons with Graham in New York where he combined for 35 pass breakups.
Cameron Sutton
Sutton’s second season as a starting outside cornerback was his best as an NFL player. Prior to that he spent much of his time in the slot.
Career-high numbers in 2022 proved he belongs outside. He put up three interceptions and 15 pass breakups.
Jamel Dean
Dean blew out the gates as a third round rookie in 2019 to knock down 17 passes. His second season saw him as the full time starter for the Buccaneers as they went on to win the Super Bowl.
He has continued his steady play at cornerback the past two seasons in Tampa, picking off two passes per seasons and breakup up 17 passes combined. He has great size at 6-1, 206 pounds and is jut 26 years old. A lot of teams will be looking to sign him this free agent period.
Jonathan Jones
Jones has been a mainstay in the secondary for the Patriots over the past seven seasons, two of which ended in Super Bowls. Jones started and played nearly every snap in their 13-3 Super Bowl win over the Rams in 2018.
And, of course, having joined the Patriots in 2016, Josh McDaniels is quite familiar with him.
Shaquill Griffin
After four seasons in Seattle, and heading to a Pro Bowl, Griffin signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Jaguars. That season the DB coach was Chris Ash…who last year joined the Raiders as their DB coach.
Griffin suffered a back injury last season in week five and Wednesday became a cap casualty to save the Jags $13 million. Now Griffin, who has started 72 out of 76 games in his five-year career, can sign with any team.
