As of now, the Raiders still have questions at the cornerback position. They added a couple corners in the draft on Day three, which certainly adds needed depth and competition, but it doesn’t guarantee that come the season they won’t be simply picking the lesser of the evils.
The free agent market could work in their favor in this regard, however, because no position has stronger talent still unsigned than cornerback. Most of them are on the wrong side of 30, which usually means they will be signing short term deals with teams hoping to use them as a bridge to a long term answer next year. Or until their own guys can develop.
It’s likely these free agents were advised to wait until after the draft as teams will have a better idea of where the stand at the position. After all, all teams hope they will land a starter in the draft, but not all of them will. The Raiders are an example of that as the way the board fell, they ended up going. heavy on the offensive side of the ball on the first two days where teams expect to get immediate starters.
Stephon Gilmore
A five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All Pro, and one time Defensive Player of the Year (2019). He is in the twilight of his career at age 33. But he still started every game the past two seasons for the Cowboys and Colts, putting up four interceptions and 24 pass breakups. So, if he wants to come back, who is to say he isn’t worth a shot?
Steven Nelson
Despite holding the journeyman title, Nelson consistently outplays his contract wherever he goes. Including coming off one of his best seasons at the age of 30 with four interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He has been a full time NFL starter each of the past eight seasons.
Adoree' Jackson
The former top pick (18 overall) out of USC has had a solid career. He’s been a full time starter every season since he was a rookie; four with the Titans and three with the Giants. This included starting 12 games for Patrick Graham in New York in 2021, picking off one pass with eight pass breakups.
Xavien Howard
Maybe Christian Wilkins can go to bat for his former ball hawking teammate in Miami. The one time All Pro is a season removed from his fourth Pro Bowl. The former 38th overall pick has spent his entire career with the Dolphins, putting up 29 interceptions and 95 pass breakups. He has put up at least 12 pass breakups in each of his full seasons in the league. He will turn 31 in July.
Akhello Witherspoon
The 29-year-old has the length the Raiders like (6-2). He’s coming off his best season, starting all 17 games for the Rams, picking off three passes with 14 pass breakups.
