NFL Rumors: Oakland Raiders to steal Malik Jackson from Broncos?

Could the Oakland Raiders sign Malik Jackson this offseason?

The NFL offseason is here, which means the free agency frenzy that arrives every year at this time is right around the corner. For some teams, this offseason will be an exciting one since they have money to burn.

At the top of this list are the Oakland Raiders. With roughly $73 million in cap space to burn, the Raiders are going to be rumored alongside any big name talent that hits the market. That’s happening already, as Denver Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson is already being linked to Oakland.

The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla speculated that the Raiders could take a run at Malik Jackson this offseason.

"Raid the Broncos. Oakland coach Jack Del Rio, formerly the defensive coordinator of the Broncos, has $73 million in salary cap space to spend on the Raiders. Will he acquire all Denver’s defensive free agents?Peter, San DiegoKiz: Just my two cents: 1) Do not be surprised if defensive end Malik Jackson plays for Oakland in 2016; and 2) The Raiders are greatest threat to Denver in AFC West next season."

While it makes mild sense that the Raiders would make a run at Jackson, it’s not something fans in Oakland should get too excited about. There’s the Jack Del rio link to consider, alongside the massive cap space, but the fit just doesn’t seem to be there.

But Jackson would be going to a 3-4 to a 4-3, which is something he did under Del Rio in Denver. The price that the Raiders will have to pay for Jackson might be the deal breaker. A move to the inside might mean a price cut for Jackson, which is something he probably wouldn’t be down for after seeing his counterparts get paid big. Oakland has the cap space to splurge on Jackson but should they really put all their eggs into that one basket?

Free agency in the NFL begins on March 9th.