Three CBs Raiders could target in free agency

Finding the right cornerback is essential in the AFC West, especially when it is the Las Vegas Raiders.

The cornerback position seems to be an ongoing issue for the Raiders. There were hopes last season when Jack Jones returned a pick-six for a touchdown against Patrick Mahomes. Nate Hobbs has shown some flashes, too, but injuries continue to be a concern. Hobbs is an unrestricted free agent, but the Raiders will likely try to keep him.

The Raiders figure to be active in the free agency market when it begins March 12, and will look for cornerback help. Here are the three possible free-agent cornerbacks that could make sense for the Raiders:

Jonathan Jones l New England Patriots

Could Jones leave the Patriots after playing there for nine seasons? At 31 years old, Jones finished with six pass deflections and two forced fumbles in 17 games played. He also made 58 tackles. Maybe with Tom Brady as the Raiders' minority owner, with whom he was teammates from 2016-2019, Jones will be interested in the Raiders. 

It wouldn't be a splash signing, but Jones will provide help if he does sign with the Raiders and bring veteran leadership.

Byron Murphy l Minnesota Vikings

Speaking of a splash signing, this would be it if the Raiders signed Murphy. He would immediately become the best cornerback the Raiders had since drafting Nnamdi Asomugha in the 2003 NFL Draft. Signing Murphy would also be huge since the AFC West consists of quarterbacks Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. Murphy, 27, finished the season with six interceptions, 14 pass deflections, one forced fumble and 81 tackles in 17 games played.

The Raiders signing Murphy would immediately boost the win total. Signing Murphy will fill a big hole.

D.J. Reed l New York Jets

While Reed didn't play that long in Seattle, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll knew some about him while Reed played in Seattle from 2020-2021. While it is not a given that Reed will join the Raiders, there could be some interest even though he didn't record an interception because he had 11 pass deflections. Reed spent the past two seasons with the Jets and could provide immediate help for the Raiders.

The Raiders should be one of the teams in the mix for the 28-year-old.