Fansided

NFL free agency 2019: Grades for every team

By Kevin Parvizi

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 23: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 23: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Oakland Raiders

Key Additions: WR Antonio Brown (trade), LT Trent Brown, WR Tyrell Williams, DB Lamarcus Joyner, CB Nevin Lawson, QB Mike Glennon, RB Isaiah Crowell, LB Vontaze Burfict, LB Brandon Marshall, WR JJ Nelson

Key Departures: OG Kelechi Osemele, WR Jordy Nelson (retirement), QB AJ McCarron, TE Jared Cook

Grade: A

The Oakland Raiders cleared out a copious amount of cap space, and head coach Jon Gruden delivered the goods for the fan base by adding some of the biggest stars in the league. Antonio Brown is a game-changer in every sense for the Raiders, and as the most statistically accomplished wide receiver of this era, Brown’s addition means that there are no longer any excuses for Derek Carr, who is heading into a pivotal year of his career.

Carr has more help than just Antonio Brown, of course. Trent Brown has emerged as one of the league’s best left tackles, and he is a rare athlete who is very much worth the price tag. Tyrell Williams has massive upside as a high-end No. 2 receiver across from Brown, and he could benefit just as much as JuJu Smith-Schuster did from playing with “AB84”. JJ Nelson has just as much speed to burn as Williams, and while he’s less accomplished than the former Los Angeles Chargers standout, he’s someone defenses have to keep an eye on because of his raw ability.

Though Oakland could have done more to upgrade their defense, they added a few starting-caliber players. Lamarcus Joyner is a difference-maker who can force turnovers at a high rate, and he hits with reckless abandon. Nevin Lawson is an underrated commodity at cornerback who should complement Gareon Conley well, and Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall are sure-fire starters for a team that desperately needed to make upgrades at linebacker. If Marshall can stay healthy, he could be a steal for the Raiders after starring for the rival Denver Broncos.

Gruden and Mike Mayock will have work to do in the draft, because there are still gaping holes on defense, particularly at pass rush. But this was a strong effort from the Raiders front office, and it is crazy to think that the team will field the trio of Brown, Williams, and Nelson at receiver after ending the 2018 campaign with Jordy Nelson as their only wide receiver of note.

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