On August 13, the Las Vegas Raiders will play their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers after multiple joint practices. In the lead-up to the exhibition game, the front office will tweak the roster to strengthen some shallow or unsettled positions on the depth chart.
Over the past week, the Raiders have hosted workouts with several players, including some notable names like Jaylon Smith and Rex Burkhead. They’ve also signed linebacker Darius Harris, tight end Jacob Hollister and quarterback Chase Garbers.
Rookies, young talent and veterans will have opportunities to carve out roles on a Raiders roster in transition. Aside from the practices, these guys can make a strong statement in three exhibition games.
But before we dive into the preseason, how can Vegas shore up its roster? Let’s go over three potential free-agent targets.
Shelby Harris, defensive lineman
Shelby Harris’ NFL career could come full circle if he rejoins the Raiders, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2014 draft.
After two years in Oakland, Harris had a solid five-year stretch with the Denver Broncos, recording 203 tackles, 34 for loss, and 21.5 sacks. He also started in 15 out of 17 games with the Seattle Seahawks last season, registering 44 tackles, five for loss, two sacks and four pass breakups.
Turning 32 years old on August 11, Harris isn’t a surefire starter, but the Raiders can line him up on the interior or as a primary backup behind Chandler Jones to strengthen a defensive line that’s without a few young players who were expected to elevate the unit.
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At the beginning of training camp, the team placed Tyree Wilson and Neil Farrell Jr. on the non-football injury list and placed Byron Young on the physically unable to perform list.
While the three defensive linemen could return at any point before the final roster cutdown on August 29, they’ll need time to get back into game shape, and the rookies (Wilson and Young) will go through an adjustment period. In the meantime, Harris can fill in the gaps at multiple positions.
During his time with the Broncos and Seahawks, Harris played defensive end and defensive tackle in even- and odd-man fronts.
Darrel Williams, running back
As Josh Jacobs contemplates his next move in a contract standoff with the Raiders, the team has taken a look at free-agent running backs.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Vegas hosted Rex Burkhead and Damien Williams for workouts on Tuesday.
Burkhead and Williams have a couple of things in common. They’re older running backs (31 or older), and they’re capable pass-catchers. Burkhead has caught 192 passes for 1,534 yards and nine touchdowns. Williams has hauled in 154 passes for 1,209 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Raiders may want a veteran who can contribute more to the offense than special teamer Brandon Bolden, who played eight percent of the offensive snaps last season.
If so, the team should target a running back younger than 30. Darrel Williams could bring something to the ground game and the short passing attack without capping the ceiling of Zamir White, Brittain Brown or any other young tailback who emerges in Jacobs’ absence.
In 2021, Williams racked up 1,010 yards and eight touchdowns from scrimmage. In five seasons, he’s recorded 87 receptions for 771 yards and four touchdowns. Still 28 years old, he can provide a spark in the Raiders backfield if White doesn’t take a significant step in development.
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John Johnson, safety
One of the best free agents still on the free-agent market, John Johnson can plug holes across a secondary with experience at both safety positions and in the slot.
On Wednesday, the Raiders worked out safety Ronnie Harrison, per Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, which may indicate the need for more starting experience at the position. Keep in mind that Tre’von Moehrig has more starts than any other safety on the roster.
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Moehrig has 30 starts on his resume. Newcomer Marcus Epps comes in second with 25 career starts. Roderic Teamer is the only other safety on the roster with at least double-digit starts (11).
Perhaps the Raiders will think about re-signing Duron Harmon if they don’t seal the deal with Harrison. With that said, the front office should consider Johnson, who’s had a more productive career than Harrison and is five years younger than Harmon.
Over the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Johnson has recorded 162 tackles, five for loss, nine pass breakups, four interceptions and three forced fumbles (two recovered). In 2021 and 2022, he allowed a completion rate of no more than 58.3 percent, a passer rating of 82.8 or below and just three touchdowns in coverage.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.