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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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 28: Linebacker Melvin Ingram #54 of the San Diego Chargers tackles running back Knile Davis #34 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half on December 28, 2014 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

1. Melvin Ingram

Ingram has served as a cornerstone of the Chargers defense since coming into the league back in 2012. Los Angeles looks prepared to let him walk in free agency. The Raiders should make sure he stays on the West Coast.

Giving a 31-year-old edge rusher a lucrative, long-term deal would be a mistake. The Raiders should limit their offers to three years at the absolute most. As long as that happens, he can give their defensive line a massive upgrade at a reasonable cost.

Ingram’s never had more than 10.5 sacks in a single season, but his value exceeds that single statistic because he’s a complete player. He’s the rare defensive end who also does a great job holding up against the run.

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The complete nature of his game should make him an attractive signing for Bradley’s defense. The Raiders are going to keep things relatively simple up front. That will require their ends to make plays without much support against both the run and pass. Ingram has the talent and versatility to contribute to both phases of the game. He should be Las Vegas’ top priority in free agency.

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