As we prepare for free agency to start on March 10, there has been plenty of chatter that the Oakland Raiders could pursue some Denver Broncos players.
New Oakland coach Jack Del Rio, of course, was Denver’s defensive coordinator the past three seasons. It is expected the Raiders will make a run at Denver defensive tackle Terrance Knighton and perhaps tight end Julius Thomas. Here’s another name to file away: Nate Irving.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that the middle linebacker is creating a buzz from teams even though he tore his ACL in November. Irving became a full-time starter in 2014. He had 46 tackles in 2014 under Del Rio’s guidance.
It makes perfect sense that Oakland will be one of the teams that pursue Irving. Nick Roach still has not been cleared from a concussion that cost him the entire 2014 season. Last week, Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie said he is unsure if Roach will play and that the team will look for help at the position.
Irving will likely be signed for a reasonable rate as Oakland will likely be aggressive trying to find multiple starters. If Oakland does sign Irving and he is not ready for training camp because of his knee injury, Oakland has Miles Burris, who started for Roach last season.
Free agency will be fluid, but there are a lot of reasons to think Irving could be on Oakland’s radar.
