In one of the worst seasons in franchise history, it’s hard for the Las Vegas Raiders to find silver linings. One of the few players who has exceeded expectations is cornerback Eric Stokes.
The team signed Stokes to a one-year deal in free agency after a four-year stint with the Green Bay Packers. He was a first-round pick in 2021, but had a hard time living up to that draft status due to injuries.
He’s been able to stay mostly healthy this season, only missing one game. When he has played, he’s done a very good job. He’s cemented himself as the team’s No. 1 cornerback. Even during a terrible 2-12 season, the Raiders are middle of the pack when it comes to pass defense, and Stokes is a big reason for that.
He’s going to be a free agent in the offseason, but ESPN’s Ryan McFadden believes the Raiders should give him an extension. That’s something Stokes would be on board with.
“The Raiders’ starting cornerback is one of the few players who made a strong case to get an extension this offseason,” McFadden wrote. “Stokes has given up a completion rate of 58.1% and a passer rating of 93.6 — the lowest of his career. Despite Las Vegas’ struggles, Stokes told ESPN that he loves the organization and would be open to returning. ‘If the opportunity is there, heck yeah,’ he said. ‘If not, I can’t be sad about it. It’s business.’”
Raiders Can’t Let Stokes Walk
The Raiders are so devoid of talent right now. They can’t afford to let good players walk in free agency.
Stokes is also only 26, so he’s just entering his athletic prime. He should be a productive player for several more years. The only concern is that he’s likely played himself into a nice payday.
If the Raiders could get him at around three years, $30 million, that could be a win for both sides. The team is so bad that it might be hard to convince top free agents to leave their previous teams to go to Las Vegas. The fact that Stokes wants to be a Raider is something they need to take advantage of.
Other Free Agent Raiders Could Extend
Devin White’s numbers look good on paper, but he’s been really poor in coverage. He’s been a tackling machine, but has gotten into it with defensive end Maxx Crosby this season. He’s a free agent, and it’s easy to see the Raiders wanting to let him go.
Defenisve end Malcolm Koonce is an interesting player to watch. There was a lot of hope that he could be a suitable running mate for Crosby, but he’s been ineffective this season. If he’s brought back, it has to be on a much smaller contract.
Safety Lonnie Johnson missed the first portion of the season due to injury, but he’s played well. He could be a cheap option to bring back next season. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is an old-school player, but he’s a leader and as tough as they come. He’s a good guy to have in the locker room, even though his play on the field hasn’t been particularly impressive this season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Raiders’ Top Free Agent Sends Clear Message to Team About Possible Return appeared first on Heavy Sports.