Raiders News And Rumors: Charles Woodson And Josh Cribbs Sign, Is Brandon Lloyd Next?

In the past week, the Oakland Raiders have been the most active team in NFL free agency. First, the club signed return specialist Josh Cribbs to a one-year contract. Oakland followed that up by bringing back defensive back Charles Woodson.

After making moves to sure up their defense and special teams, it might be time for the Raiders to turn their attention to the offensive side of the ball. Oakland finished 26th in 2012 in points per game, and hasn’t made any significant moves to improve in that area. The team’s biggest free agent additions have been defensive tackle Vance Walker and cornerback Tracy Porter. The Raiders lost tight end Brandon Myers and running back Mike Goodson, and used their first-round draft pick on cornerback D.J. Hayden.

If Oakland wants to improve upon their 4-12 record from a year ago, they will need to add playmakers on offense. More than two months into the 2013 offseason, there aren’t many impact players left on the open market. However, there are a few free agents that could be big contributors to the Raiders next year.

Brandon Lloyd might be the best free agent fit for the Raiders. As a productive wide receiver, Lloyd could fill a position in which the team lacks depth. Last season, Denarius Moore led the club with 741 receiving yards. As the No.2 wide out with the New England Patriots, Lloyd caught 23 more balls for 170 more yards.

Cribbs is a wide receiver, but most of his value is on special teams. He’s registered over 500 receiving yards just once in a season; a mark Lloyd has reached five times. The Raiders might also be able to sign Lloyd for a, somewhat, affordable contract. After being unemployed for two months, the wide out won’t exactly be able to demand a lucrative deal.

Oakland’s trade of Carson Palmer to the Arizona Cardinals has left them with no experienced options at quarterback. Matt Flynn has shown promise in his limited time on the field, but he couldn’t win the starting job with the Seattle Seahawks after they gave him $26 million. As a fourth-round draft pick, Tyler Wilson isn’t expected to help the Raiders much in 2013. With so many questions surrounding the most important position on the field, it’s imperative that the Raiders surround whoever their signal caller is with some weapons.

There haven’t been any recent reports stating that the Raiders want to sign Lloyd. However, the two sides seem like a perfect marriage. Lloyd would be given an immediate opportunity to be a starter and Oakland would get a playmaker that they so desperately need.