The Raiders are eyeing free agent cornerback Rashaan Melvin, reports Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review Journal (via Twitter). There’s been “some communication” between the two sides, but it doesn’t sound like a deal is coming anytime soon. Meanwhile, the reporter notes that Oakland wasn’t in on Trumaine Johnson, who signed with the Jets today.
The 2013 undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois spent the past two seasons with the Colts, where he’s had a pair of solid campaigns. Following a breakout season in 2016, Melvin was just as productive productive this year, finishing with 36 tackles, three interceptions, and 13 passes defended. Pro Football Focus was particularly fond of his performance, ranking him 17th among 120 eligible cornerbacks. Our own Dallas Robinson listed him as the No. 12 free agent cornerback.
The Raiders could certainly use some reinforcement at cornerback. The team is currently projected to be starting 2017 first-rounder Gareon Conley and former seventh-rounder Dexter McDonald. The team is also rostering Darius Hillary, Antonio Hamilton, Tevin Mitchel, and Shaquille Richardson.
Colts are fools if they don’t resign him they let all these valuable players slip to free agency and then wonder why we can’t contend