The Raiders started this offseason looking to revamp their secondary around their last two first-round picks. Gareon Conley would start at one cornerback spot. Karl Joseph was penned at strong safety.
Every other job, however, was wide open and likely filled from the outside.
Safety Marcus Gilchrist came aboard Thursday, but one premium spot remained open opposite Conley. Veteran cornerback Rashaan Melvin took it Friday afternoon, agreeing on terms of a one-year $6.5 million contract.
NFL Network broke the news of a bargain compared to other cornerback free-agent deals. They aren't attached to him long term, and Melvin can sign a bigger deal if he plays well in 2018.
The Raiders declared interest in the former Indianapolis cornerback early this week and worked toward an agreement sealed during a Friday morning visit at the team's Alameda practice facility.
The 28-year old's fresh off a career year, allowing just 29 receptions for 328 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets in 2017. He had three interceptions and 13 passes defensed. Quarterbacks had a paltry 60.3 passer rating against him.
Melvin stands 6-foot-2, 196 pounds and has the athleticism to excel in Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther's system.
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Melvin bounced around before settling with the Colts, struggling to find footing in Tampa Bay, Baltimore New England and two offseason programs in Miami. He found a home in Indianapolis, and became a regular starter in 2016. His breakout 2017 season was cut short by a hand injury that kept him out the last five games.
Melvin projects to start right away. The Raiders will be thrilled if he stays healthy and retains recent form. Melvin has solid ball skills, regularly forces incompletions and thrived in tough assignments that came with being the Colts' top cornerback.
Gilchrist's addition, Melvin's deal and the Friday addition of Shareece Wright fills a cupboard in the defensive backfield laid bare by design.
The Raiders cut David Amerson and now-jailed Sean Smith this offseason. TJ Carrie took a big deal in Cleveland. Reggie Nelson's allowed to walk as a free agent.
The Raiders added three free agents to the group thus far, and could well draft another defensive back next month.
They'll have safety Obi Melifonwu in reserve – he'll have to earn a role after missing most of 2017 with injury – and cornerbacks Antonio Hamilton and Dexter McDonald vying for spots.
Melvin will be plenty motivated to have a big year and cash in at age 29, for what might be his last shot at a big payday.
