NFL Oakland Raiders

Top 5 Free Agents Who Best Fit Oakland Raiders’ Culture

Top 5 Free Agents Who Best Fit Oakland Raiders' Culture

Oakland Raiders Helmet
Jeff Curry - USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders had a long tradition of being the team of “outlaws” and who played with a level of toughness that was unmatched in the NFL. That swashbuckling image lasted until Super Bowl XXXVI, when Tom Brady and the New England Patriots had “Tuck ruled” the Raiders out of a Lombardi Trophy.

Oakland is now poised through free agency to rekindle their former identity and become the team they once were.

5. Mike Iupati

 Mike Iupati of San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Terada - USA TODAY Sports

5. Mike Iupati

 Mike Iupati of San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Terada - USA TODAY Sports

Mike Iupati has been the most dependable and resilient offensive lineman on San Francisco's roster. Considered one of the best run-blockers in the league, Iupati has been a critical part the 49ers' run game. His quiet demeanor should not be misconstrued in any way, for he is big, tough and mean; everything the Raiders could want. Acquiring Iupati would cost the Raiders a pretty penny, but he is well worth it.

4. Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy with The Karken face paint
Christopher Hanewinckel - USA Today Sports

4. Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy with The Karken face paint
Christopher Hanewinckel - USA Today Sports

Greg Hardy is everything you want in a linebacker and then some. He has developed an alter-ego called “The Kraken” that he invokes on gameday. “I go down in my subconscious. I find him, and I unlock the cage. About Saturday he usually comes out. Then he's always out on Sunday,” he once said. Hardy has generated 204 tackles and 34 sacks since 2010. His hard-hitting, merciless demeanor should fit right into this Oakland team.

3. Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dez Bryant is a scintillating, tackle-breaking touchdown machine and would be a very large target for second-year quarterback Derek Carr. His fierce passion and love for the game is only equaled by the level of aggression he plays with. After the game in London last year, Jason Garrett said of Bryant's performance that night, “(Bryant) ran with reckless abandon.” Bryant would add talent to a limited Oakland receiving unit.

2. Justin Houston

Justin Houston against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2. Justin Houston

Justin Houston against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Arrowhead Stadium
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Houston is up for free agency this year and the Raiders would be hard-pressed to find a better pass-rusher. He is considered one of the best OLBs and second only to Houston's J.J. Watt. Recording an impressive 22.0 sacks last season, this two-time Pro Bowler has the face of a saint and the temperament of a pit bull. Pairing Houston opposite of Khalil Mack might present an interesting opportunity too good not to pass up.

1. Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions
Ron Chenoy - USA TODAY Sports

1. Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions
Ron Chenoy - USA TODAY Sports

The No. 1 best free agent fit for the Oakland Raiders is the Detroit Lions' Ndamukong Suh. He would not only mesh with the Raiders' identity, but he would embody what it means to be an Oakland Raider. He is a mean, nasty, win-by-means kind of guy who is not afraid to get dirty (or play dirty). His bad-boy reputation in conjunction with elite level of play would make anyone in Raider Nation proud to be a fan once again.

James Forsythe is an NFL contributor at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim , and add him to your network on Google.

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