Since free agency began two weeks ago, the Raiders have been strategic in their approach to filling needs, grabbing three top players who are instant starters at positions where it was desperately needed.
Those three additions are offensive guard Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Bruce Irvin, and cornerback Sean Smith. All young, all needs, and all proven starters. But the Raiders had more than three positions to fill this offseason and head coach Jack Del Rio has no illusions about it as he pointed out at the owners meetings this week.
"They fit great," Del Rio said of his new free agents via the Bay Area News Group. "The three guys that we acquired are big, strong, aggressive athletes with attitude. They're good players, they fit needs and we have more, we need more. It's a beginning of a nice offseason. It's just the beginning. We have work to do yet."
"We just got started. I don't feel like (we're) sending any signal or doing anything other than recognizing needs and desires to acquire good players, recognizing the need on our roster to fortify ourselves, make ourselves stronger. That remains the approach."
The top need still yet to be addressed is the safety position. The Raiders have had reported interest in Cardinals restricted free agent Tony Jefferson, but as of yet they have not signed him to an offer sheet. Another good option out there could be former Bengals safety Reggie Nelson who, at 33 years old, led the NFL last season with 8 interceptions.
The Raiders have also had reported interest in free agent linebacker Erin Henderson.
Last year the Raiders were active signing free agents well in to April. They added offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb April 2 and Michael Crabtree April 13. So, you can figure they will do it again this year.
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