Analyst suggests Raiders should pursue free agent cornerback

The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a serious issue in their secondary.

Against the San Francisco 49ers, the Raiders cornerbacks had a rough time trying to stop the opposing offense. It was not the performance Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham wanted to see, as they are still sorting out who will start at the position. In an AFC West featurin g some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, questionable secondary play is akin to a death sentence for the Raiders’ ambitions.

Fortunately for the Raiders, they have options in the event that their faith in their current group begins to waver.

A current free agent would do wonders for the Raiders right about now.

With veteran free agents beginning to fly off the market with the 53-man roster cutoff date approaching, Raiders Wire’s Justin Melo pitched that the team should go after former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

“Samuel Jr. is a 25-year-old cornerback and former second-round pick. He’s been a stellar NFL cornerback, but dealt with neck and shoulder injuries last year that ended his season prematurely. The unknown status of Samuel Jr.’s health is why he rema ins available in free agency,” wrote Melo.

Outside of the obvious health concerns, Samuel is not the type of cornerback that is going to fit every team’s preferences.

For the Raiders, Samuel’s five-foot-ten frame does not match what Carroll typically looks for in cornerbacks. Also, Samuel does not have as much experience playing in zone defensive schemes, which the Raiders employ. However, with the Raiders running out of time and options to bolster their secondary, the 25-year-old still has plenty of tread left on his tires.

If the Raiders want to add to their cornerback room, Samuel is as good an option as any to bring in.