The Raiders have made significant additions this offseason with some big-name free-agent signings. Most of those additions, however, have come to their offense.
Aside from safety Lamarcus Joyner, the Raiders haven't put too much time into a defense that allowed a franchise-worst 467 points in 2018. They need significant help at linebacker, and are starting to look at some veteran names.
On Monday, NFL media's Ian Rapoport reported the Raiders hosted free-agent linebackers Manti Te'o and Aaron Lynch. Former Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was released Monday, and could be a name of interest for the Silver and Black.
On the day Vontaze Burfict is released and available, worth noting: The #Raiders are already doing work on LBs, hosting FAs Manti Teo and Aaron Lynch, source said. Oakland may have interest in Burfict, too.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2019
Injuries have derailed Te'o's career ever since entering the NFL in 2013. He only played in five games last season for the Saints, but is healthy now and the 29-year-old could be a cheap option. Lynch, who played his first four seasons for the 49ers, played 13 games for the Bears in 2018 where he recorded 16 tackles and three sacks.
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Burfict, 28, has been defined by suspensions and dirty play. He's been suspended three times in his seven-year career, and missed the first four games last season due to violating the league's PED policy. Last year he played in seven games and finished with 33 tackles.
The Raiders currently have a trio of Marquel Lee, Jason Cabinda and Tahir Whitehead. Upgrades are expected in the draft, but a serviceable veteran should be a priority, too.
