Las Vegas Raiders free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after sacking Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: Mike Hilton #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

4. Mike Hilton

Defense was the main reason the Raiders missed the playoffs last season. Gus Bradley’s been hired to preside over an overhaul on that side of the ball. If his scheme is going to succeed, he needs more talent in the secondary.

Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette give Bradley two corners he can reasonably trust on the outside, but the options in the slot aren’t as clear-cut. That becomes especially true if LaMarcus Joyner moves back to safety in Bradley’s three-deep scheme.

Hilton was arguably the best slot corner in football last season. His free agent market might be artificially depressed by his lack of ability to thrive on the outside, but that shouldn’t dampen Las Vegas’ interest. He’s just the sort of man-to-man option that Bradley needs to add to his options moving forward.

The question regarding Hilton’s free agency is just how many teams will value in him as an outstanding slot corner. There should be a bidding war for his services. If that doesn’t develop, the Raiders may be able to swoop in and sign him to a bargain deal.

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