The Raiders are set to begin training camp in July, rookies report July 21st and veterans will report July 23rd. That means they still have a little less than a month from now to make some moves to the current roster. They currently have $34.09 Million in salary cap space which is sixth in the NFL as of now. There is plenty of time and money to work with, but in my opinion, as of now, until they make at least one of these moves, the corner back and safety position is by far their biggest area of concern. Let’s look at a few targets I think they should go after in the secondary to really solidify the roster for the 2024 season.
3.) CB Adoree’ Jackson
Jackson is the perfect fit for what the Raiders need in their secondary. A blanket on opposing receivers, and more depth at the corner back position to help out Starting CB Jack Jones and slot CB Nate Hobbs. Also wouldn’t hurt to pickup Jackson to help out second year player Jakorian Bennett, who struggled his rookie season. The thing is, Jackson isn’t known for being a ball hawk, but he’s great at disrupting passes and keeping opposing wide receivers in check. In 2023, Jackson had 49 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, 1 touchdown (Pick six) And eight passes defended. In 14 games played, he only allowed one touchdown last season. He will be 29 years old in September once the 2024 season kicks off, and should come at a pretty cheap price.
2.) CB Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore is 34 years old in September, but he can definitely still play ball. He would also be a great mentor for the young core to learn from. Last season he was pretty solid, playing in all 17 games for the Cowboys, recording 68 total tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions. A bit of a down year for him, but gotta figure age played a part in that as well. He also recorded 13 passes defended. He should be a cheap option too and despite his age, would be a very solid pickup for the Raiders.
1.) FS Justin Simmons
Former Broncos free safety Justin Simmons would be a solid fit and pulling him from the Broncos would be the cherry on top. Simmons is a ball hawk and creates turnovers in the blink of an eye. In 2023, he played in 15 games and had 70 total tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and eight passes defended. He’s thirty years old and has 30 interceptions in his eight year career, would be the perfect veteran who could teach the Raiders young secondary and he still has a lot of gas in the tank as well. Simmons would be a massive pickup for the silver and black. Not to mention a major punch in the gut to AFC West rival Denver Broncos, who drafted him. He spent his first eight seasons in Denver, will Las Vegas be next? We will see, but regardless, the Raiders should at least try to snag him.
