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2016 NFL free agency: 5 teams who should sign Malik Jackson

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson celebrates after recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson celebrates after recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts after the Raiders were called for a neutral zone infraction against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts after the Raiders were called for a neutral zone infraction against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are a young and talented team who will look to take the next step this offseason with a few key additions. Bringing in someone like Jackson at a position of need could help the Raiders challenge the Broncos themselves for the AFC West crown in 2016 and beyond.

Oakland’s offense looks just about set, other than perhaps the offensive line. The Derek Carr-to-Amari Cooper connection will be great for years to come, while Michael Crabtree had a resurgence in his first season with the team in 2015.

That’s not quite the case on the defensive side. The Raiders ranked in the bottom third in points allowed last season, and have already lost starting defensive end Justin Tuck to retirement.

Other than the secondary, Oakland’s biggest need might be at defensive tackle. Adding Jackson’s versatility alongside the dynamic Khalil Mack would give the Raiders a foundation for a strong front seven, and the team will be adding help at safety and cornerback as well. Jackson would also be reuniting with former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and has shown he can be successful in that 4-3 scheme.

The Raiders have an incredible $74 million in cap space to work with this offseason and could beat Denver in a bidding war for Jackson if it came to that. Several reports have linked Jackson to the Raiders since the end of the season, and targeting him would be a smart move for the team.

Next: Jacksonville Jaguars

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