Oakland Raiders free agency 2019: Top 5 targets
By Brad Weiss
3. Dante Fowler Jr., OLB/Edge (Los Angeles Rams)
During the 2018 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars for Dante Fowler Jr., a solid edge rusher who is only 26-years old. Fowler proved to be worth the trade the rest of the way, helping lead the Rams to the Super Bowl, where they eventually fell to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Still, Fowler is a guy who will have a major market this free agency period, and would fill a couple of needs for the Raiders in 2019. Not only could he serve as an outside linebacker, where they have a need, but also be the kind of edge rusher that could improve a unit that was historically bad in 2018.
As a team, Oakland got to the quarterback only 13 times, with rookie defensive tackle Maurice Hurst leading the way with four. They never got over the trade of Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears right before the season, and will need to bring in talent on the edge this offseason if they hope to get back on track.
Fowler is a good young player, and the Raiders have to start thinking long-term when it comes to their free agent pickups. They have a ton of draft capital in 2019, including the No. 4 overall pick where they should draft an edge rusher, but Fowler is a guy who would be well worth the money if the Raiders can get him on board.