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Demarcus Lawrence rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By William Schneiderhan

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) rushes into the backfield during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys on December 16, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) rushes into the backfield during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys on December 16, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden during the game against the Oakland Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 16th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden during the game against the Oakland Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 16th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Oakland Raiders

Ironically, just about six months after trading 2018 All-Pro and Pro Bowler Khalil Mack, the Oakland Raiders are in desperate need of pass-rush help. The team totaled 13 sacks for the whole season, a number Mack nearly surpassed on his own with 12.5 sacks. The team leader for the Raiders was Maurice Hurst with four.

Jon Gruden decided to ship Mack, and others, out of town this past season, which resulted in a 4-12 record. That performance landed the Raiders with the fourth-overall pick in the NFL Draft, to go with their late first rounders from the Bears and Cowboys.

With a lot of pass rushing talent projected at the top of the upcoming draft, the Raiders may select one of those players. Even if they decide to do so, signing Lawrence should be a top priority for the team.

With cap space to work with and no one due a big payday in the near future, building your defense around a proven player like Lawrence shows progress for the future.

Lawrence is 26, and he will be 27 by the time the 2019 season rolls around. He isn’t close to the back end of his career yet, and one could argue he is about to enter his prime.

With cap space and three first-round picks, the Raiders can fill many holes. Lawrence would anchor the defense and make what was a comical pass rush into a formidable one.

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