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According to the Denver Posts Troy E. Renck, the Oakland Raiders are expected to pursue Broncos free agent defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in free agency.
Report: Raiders likely to court Broncos DT Terrance Knighton in free agency http://t.co/E3VX4pWp59
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 15, 2015
Knighton has been connected to the Raiders this offseason after they hired former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to be their Head Coach. Del Rio was the Head Coach of the Jaguars when they drafted Knighton and was the big reason why he signed as a Free Agent with the Broncos a few years back.
Could he now follow Del Rio to Oakland?
Terrance Knighton to AP's @arniestapleton recently: "I want to be wherever Jack is. I'll just leave it at that." #Raiders
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 14, 2015
The Raiders are expected to have around 52 million dollars in cap space available this offseason, and will be able to afford Knighton. In Renek's report, he says Knighton could command a five-year, 30 million dollar contract in Free Agency. The Broncos would be hard pressed to match or top that offer.
Now Knighton did say that he would take less to remain in Denver but, both sides have yet to begin contract talks. Last month Knighton appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio last month and said that he doesn't get the feeling that the Broncos want him back next season.
If the Broncos do let Knighton walk in Free Agency this offseason they will be on the lookout for a nose tackle. Renek lists Arizona Cardinals free agent defensive tackle Dan Williams as a potential replacement. The only replacement the Broncos have currently on their roster is former first round selection Sylvester Williams.
With everyone heading to Indianapolis for the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, there is a chance that both sides could start talking about a possible long-term contract for Knighton.