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There is no question that cornerback is the most desperate position for the Raiders. And while that may make some teams go crazy, throwing their money around in free agency, the Raiders probably won't. They will pursue a few players, no doubt about that. But they have a ceiling to hoe much they are willing to pay and are going to stick to their guns.
The Raiders are no longer going to be strict man defense either. The combination of not overpaying and not being a strict man defensive secondary was why Stanford Routt was not a good fit in Oakland anymore.
But make no mistake, they have their sights set on a few guys and will go after them aggressively. Here are the player who the team could target:
Carlos Rogers (SF) - After having an All-Pro caliber season, Rogers will enter free agency at 30 years of age looking for a long-term deal. The 49ers may not be willing to give that contract to him which will have him searching for a team who will. He need only look across the bay.
Tracy Porter (NO)- Head coach Dennis Allen knows him well. Allen was the DB coach in New Orleans when Porter was drafted by the team. He also watched him intercept Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl three years ago and run it back for a touchdown. Porter is young too.
Jason Allen (HOU)- Allen had a revival for the Texans last season with 7 interceptions in 11 starts under Wade Phillips' defense. Dennis Allen (no relation) is a student of the Wade Phillips style of defense after having coached under him in Atlanta when he first started in the NFL. So it stands to reason Jason Allen would have similar success with the Raiders.
Jarrett Bush (GB)- Speaking of familiarity, Reggie McKenzie knows Bush quite well. Bush has played well at times for the Packers. In 2009, the Titans tried to sign him away and the Packers matched their offer sheet to keep him. So we know they like him and therefore can assume McKenzie by extension.
Jonathan Wilhite (DEN)- One of the moves made under Dennis Allen's year as the Broncos' DC was signing this former Patriot. Wilhite appeared in 14 games for the resurgent Bronco defense, starting two. He had one interception and it was against Aaron Rodgers and Reggie McKenzie's Packers.
Also see: Other Raiders free agent wish lists: QB I RB I WR I TE I OC I OG I OT I ILB I OLB I DT
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