The Las Vegas Raiders were extremely aggressive in solving their quarterback need. They went hard after Matthew Stafford, and when that fell through, they traded for Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith. With the QB position taken care of, they can now look at other positions of need in free agency.
In reality, the Raiders have needs at just about every position, so most free agents will be fits, but PFF just released their “perfect” free-agent fits for all 32 teams.
While the Raiders could look to add a receiver or a running back, Badley Locker has them signing cornerback Charvarius Ward.
CB Charvarius Ward Deemed ‘Perfect’ Fit For Raiders In Free Agency
Both Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett are still under contract, but the Raiders could certainly use an upgrade at the position. Nickleback Nate Hobbs is set to become a free agent, as are both starting safeties Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig.
Ward is one of the best free-agent options on the market at the cornerback position.
“Under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham last year, Las Vegas played either Cover 3 or Cover 2 on a combined 51.5% of coverage snaps, and Carroll’s defensive background is also predicated around Cover 3. Since 2022, Ward has generated a 75.1 PFF coverage grade in Cover 3-type looks, and he’s played the fifth-most Cover 3 snaps of any cornerback. Likewise, Ward has been a lockdown player in Cover 2, producing an 89.6 PFF coverage grade over the past three years.”
Bradley Locker, PFF
Ward dealt with a personal tragedy last season, and it took a toll on the field. Part of the reason for not re-signing with the 49ers is the need for him and his wife to have a fresh start elsewhere. The Raiders could give him that, and he would instantly become CB1 for the Silver and Black.
In 2023, he had a career year, notching 72 total tackles, a forced fumble, and five interceptions. If he can remotely replicate that in Las Vegas, he would be a home run signing. Not to mention his fit in Cover 3 and Cover 2 schemes that Locker mentions above.
Ward’s last contract was a 3-year deal worth $40.5 million. Still just 28 years old, the market for Ward will be higher than that this time around. The Raiders have roughly $51 million in cap space, with a new Geno Smith extension pending, so they can certainly afford Ward if they decide the value is there.
Also Read: 3 Underrated Quarterbacks The Raiders Should Pair With Geno Smith