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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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 25: Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Carolina Panthers during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Marcus Williams

Johnathan Abram is a solid bet to take one starting safety spot for the Raiders next season, but the other two starting positions in the backline are very much up in the air. Signing a true ballhawk like Williams would make a ton of sense for Bradley and the defensive coaching staff.

The Saints would love to retain him, but their salary cap issues will make giving him a big contract exceedingly difficult. That gives the Raiders a chance to scoop up a young, All-Pro caliber player up in free agency if they’re willing to spend the money required.

Williams wasn’t quite as good in 2020 as he was in previous seasons. His final season PFF grade of 79.3 accurately illustrates last year’s campaign as very good, but not quite great. Letting him roam free in a cover-three scheme could help him bounce back in a big way in 2021.

It’s unclear if the Raiders are prepared to spend so heavily at the safety position, but it’s a decision they should be prepared to make after hiring Bradley. Williams would give the team’s secondary an immediate boost with his ability to produce turnovers. His arrival would also free Abram up to make more plays closer to the line of scrimmage.

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