NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 17 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
With NFL free agency beginning, the Raiders have needs in all three levels of their defense, particularly at safety. And after last week’s purge on the offensive line, Las Vegas could use a guard and a tackle … or three after trading right tackle Trent Brown to the New England Patriots and releasing starting guards Richie Incognito and Gabe Jackson. A veteran receiver as well as a change-of-pace running back would help things, as well.
Thing is, the Raiders have their own free agents who could fit those bills in Denzelle Good, Devontae Booker and Nelson Agholor, respectively.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by the Las Vegas Raiders, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
The Raiders have agreed to terms with Ngakoue, who played for the Vikings and Ravens a year ago, on a two-year deal.
What it means: The Raiders have begun their overhaul of their defense in earnest with a bonafide edge rusher who will not only command respect, but double-teams. It also reunites Ngakoue with new Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who was Ngakoue’s coach in Jacksonville. The Raiders ranked 29th in the NFL with 21 sacks last season. Ngakoue, a third-round pick of the Jaguars in 2016, is one of just four players since 1982 (when sacks became an official stat) to begin his career with five straight eight-plus sack seasons, totaling 45.5. He also has 18 forced fumbles, which rank second in the NFL behind Khalil Mack (20) over that same period.
What’s the risk: The Raiders will be Ngakoue’s fourth team since 2019, having been traded from Jacksonville to Minnesota and from Minnesota to Baltimore. So how committed and dependable will he be for a franchise that has been burned mightily in free agency of late? Plus, the Raiders plan to run a 4-3 base defense and Ngakoue seems to be more of 3-4 outside linebacker. And if Ngakoue is indeed a 4-3 defensive end, albeit a smaller one 6-foot-2, 246 pounds, what does that mean for Clelin Ferrell, the No. 4 pick of the 2019 draft, let alone Maxx Crosby, who is more pass rusher than run stopper anyway?