3 Free Agents the Raiders should look at after roster cuts

Earlier this week, every NFL team was forced to cut their roster down to just 53 players. Many quality players are now free agents after roster cuts. Most players to see the axe were names we likely haven’t heard before. Yet there were many big-name players who did get cut. Here are three players who received the axe that are worthy enough for the Raiders to take a look at.

Russell Okung

As is the same for many players who end up on the chopping block during this time of the year, one of the main things working against Okung are injuries.

Okung is now 32 years old, and in the last two years he’s played just 13 games. Those games weren’t without production though, as Okung was solid with only 2 holding penalties in 407 snaps.

Okung has been a free agent all summer, but as we’ve seen with other veterans, that doesn’t mean he’s not on the Raiders radar.

Okung has likely received offers already at the time of writing this, and the Raiders don’t have much cap space anyways. Still, the Raiders have some young players, most notably Alex Leatherwood, who could greatly use some veteran guidance from Okung. Due to his talent and leadership abilities, Russell Okung would be a great addition if he’s able to stay healthy.

Bernardrick McKinney

McKinney is probably the least-known player on my list, but the linebacker is full of talent. Like Okung, McKinney has struggled with injuries in the latter part of his career. Clearly that played a big role in his eventual release from the Dolphins.

Still, McKinney is only 28 and has a Pro Bowl appearance under his belt, along with four seasons with at least 95 tackles. He’s a veteran linebacker who can produce and rush the passer as well.

McKinney’s 2020 season was marred by injury, and he failed to play a game with Miami after they acquired him via trade in March. He now finds himself on the waiver wire, but shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new squad. The Raiders linebacker unit has taken a massive hit in recent weeks with injuries to Nicholas Morrow, Javin White and others. Although the Raiders signed LB K.J. Wright Wednesday, adding an veteran presence who is known to produce like McKinney may be a savvy move.

Ameer Abdullah

Finally, completing this list is Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah is no stranger to the waiver wire, and lately it seems as if he’s in a battle for a roster spot every summer. He is a free agent once again after roster cuts.

Abdullah is a long way from his best career year, which came in 2015 with the Detroit Lions. He’s been a productive player during his career when he gets touches, but the problem lies in this exact sentence. He doesn’t get touches. Ameer is a versatile player, and could impact the team as a depth running back piece as well as special teams, if he’s able to produce when needed.

The Raiders have an obvious 1-2 punch in Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, so if signed, Abdullah wouldn’t see the field much. Still, Jalen Richard is injured and Trey Ragas was cut, so the door is cracked open for the third running back spot. The Raiders don’t have much cap space to work with at all, so Abdullah could be a cheap, solid pickup for the team.