Best NFL free agents in 2019

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) before the snap in the second quarter of an AFC West showdown between the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on December 10, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Khalil Mack – Oakland Raiders

Jon Gruden might want to shake things up in Oakland, but he’d be a fool to let Khalil Mack hit the open market. He’s simply too talented to let walk. In a league where defenses are built on edge rushers, Mack is one of the best.

Mack has racked up 36.5 sacks over the last three seasons for a pretty mediocre Raiders defense. There’s a reason why he was named the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Mack is a dominant force who gives NFL offensive coordinators nightmares.

His positional versatility also gives him an advantage over the other edge rushers on this list. He can credibly play defensive end and outside linebacker at any down and distance. Mack shouldn’t be dropped into coverage on a regular basis, but he can adequately handle most tight ends if he’s asked to cover them.

The Raiders are going to have to pay through the nose if they want to keep Mack throughout the rest of his prime. It’s an investment Gruden and company simply have to make. If they let Mack hit free agency they will spend years trying to replace his versatility and production.

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