The Raiders are clearly focused on adding talent to their defense this offseason, and in their latest move they agreed to terms with linebacker Cory Littleton.
The contract
It’s a three-year deal worth up to $36 million, per NFL Network.
Why the Raiders made the move
Their defense was a disaster last year, finishing 31st in efficiency, ahead of only the Dolphins. On Monday, the Raiders agreed to terms with linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. And on Tuesday, they moved on to Littleton, one of the better three-down, play-making linebackers in the NFL.
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Littleton can match up with tight ends, cover and tackle in space. He has five interceptions, 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. Littleton has never missed a game due to injury, and only five players have more tackles than him over the past two seasons. He’ll be just 26 at the start of next season. In my opinion, Littleton was the top off-ball linebacker available on the open market.
The Raiders still have more work to do. Specifically, they need help at cornerback. But Littleton should help their defense immediately.
What it means for the market
Littleton’s deal looks like fair value on both sides. Blake Martinez reportedly signed with the Giants for $10 million per year, and Littleton is the better player. The next player to keep an eye on is Joe Schobert. The guess here is that his deal will likely be similar to the one Martinez signed with the Giants.
Signing grade: B
The Raiders had money to spend and holes to fill. I am generally against paying off-ball linebackers big money unless they are assets against the pass. Littleton qualifies as a true three-down player who can make plays in coverage. Adding players in free agency is often costly, but the Raiders didn’t break the bank here to add Littleton. They paid him reasonable market value. I like this move for them.
(Photo: Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY Sports)
