What to learn from Raiders’ visit with cornerback A.J. Bouye

The news on Monday morning that the Las Vegas Raiders are visiting with free agent cornerback A.J. Bouye (he was recently cut by the Denver Broncos) seems like three years ago after all the news that has been happening with the team.

Let’s look at some key aspects of the visit and what it means for the Raiders:

The Raiders will be active:
Last week, Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said the Raiders would be somewhat active in free agency, but he couldn’t commit how much. But the Raiders, after making several salary cuts, could be in the $40 million-plus salary-cap range and should be able to do some things. Now, the Raiders suddenly have a lot of holes to fill, so they may not be able to spend wildly, but expect the Raiders to add players next week.

They want a veteran CB:
There has been speculation the Raiders will try to sign free agent cornerback Richard Sherman, if they ink Bouye, that will likely take them out of the Sherman market, but this quick visit shows finding a veteran to work with the Raiders’ large group of young cornerbacks is a priority.

It doesn’t mean CB is the Raiders’ biggest need:
Just because Bouye is the first free agent to visit Las Vegas this offseason, it doesn’t mean they want to sign a cornerback first. The Raiders’ biggest need is still a pass-rusher. This is convenient for the Raiders because Bouye is available now because he was released. So, if the Raiders can satisfy a need early, why not?