It’s not often that a team misses out on a free agent one offseason and gets another shot a year later, especially when that player turned in a strong showing. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie likely will get that opportunity a month from tomorrow, when a standout player, at a position of great need surfaces
Reggie McKenzie might get second chance to land impact player he missed out on last season
Defensive player targeted by Raiders GM last offseason headed toward free agency
We have many holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Sitting 17th in cap at the moment, Raiders going to have competition for his services. It will be interesting to see how their priorities play out with free agency and the draft.
Brown will be 29 this season.
Last season he played in 13 games, the first time he has not played all 16 games.
My question is can we bring back Bowman and find a rookie or other FA and pay 2 players for what might be the price of Brown alone? And will those players be as productive as Brown?
As Cork stated, RM has issues finding quality MLBs. He lucked out on Bowman last season. Pure luck. It also seems like RM lowballs some FAs, if that is the case again, its likely Brown will sign elsewhere anyway.
Great feedback, Philip. Indeed, Zach Brown isn’t the kind of player you try to get on the cheap, especially after the season he had last season, and the one before. Impact players don’t hit free agency often, and Brown is a big-time impact player. If someone isn’t sure what Brown is about, go back and watch the Raiders-Washington game from last season. Or any of Brown’s other games, for that matter. He would make the Raiders defense much, much better all by himself.
Cork
This would be a good signing. Like Abouye last year, he was another one I was hoping the Raiders could get. Maybe McKenzie gets his man this time. Thanks for your insight, as always, Cork!
You’re welcome, Michelle. Zach Brown is on the Raiders’ radar. They’re just waiting to see if he makes it to free agency. Given Brown’s desire for a sweeter deal, it seems likely that he’ll make it to free agency, which starts a month from today. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and everyone else.
Cork
Please Reggie. please I beg you sign this man . Was my #1 choice in all of free agency last year based on our needs not to sure why Reggie low balled him I just really hope he doesn’t this time . Quite frankly I would not be upset if we started over at linebacker completely all guys mentioned above haven’t done too much . Maybe kept Morrow but move to safety / linebacker hybrid type too small to be every down backer
What a fantastic player. He is non-stop action, very strong, very durable. The downside is, Brown is going to want far more than the Raiders could have locked him up for last season. You can’t be cheap when it comes to impact players. We’ll see how it plays out.
I like Brown but… I say bring Bowman and draft versatile LBs like a Edmunds or Jefferson or Vander Esch or Werner guys that can play and outside role and/or fill behind Bowman for the year and take over the position once his contract is up. Take care of the guys already here and draft and groom through the draft. RM hasn’t drafted smart the last couple of years and that put the Raiders behind. Hopefully Gruden and staff can help evaluate players that can fit in now and for the future.