The Las Vegas Raiders have ample cap space to work with ahead of training camp and one NFL analyst believes they should use some of it to add a pass-rusher.
Now that the Jimmy Garoppolo money is off the books, the Raiders have $34 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, so general manager Tom Telesco has the money to make multiple moves if he so chooses.
One player ESPN's Aaron Schatz believes the Raiders should bring in is veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, who has already had a stint in Las Vegas. Here are Schatz's thoughts on the move:
The Raiders have a superstar edge rusher in Maxx Crosby but a real depth problem behind him. Right now, the plan is to move Tyree Wilson inside, leaving Malcolm Koonce starting on the edge. Koonce had a surprisingly strong season in 2023, with eight sacks and 31 pressures against defenses that were busy double-teaming Crosby. Behind him, though, are all veteran journeymen and young free agents. If the Raiders bring in Ngakoue, they'll have a steady veteran edge rusher who can rotate with Koonce and give the team something if Crosby or Koonce miss time with an injury.
While Wilson could see snaps on the interior this season after thriving there near the end of 2023, I don't think that's the full-time plan for him in 2024. Instead, Wilson will likely be the primary option when Malcolm Koonce needs a breather.
Knowing that, there really isn't any room for Ngakoue, as Maxx Crosby plays almost every snap on a weekly basis. However, if the plan is to utilize Wilson on the interior, then it would make sense to bring the veteran in.
If the Raiders are going to add players, it would make more sense to sign an interior defensive lineman and/or a cornerback.
