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3 XFL Stars the Raiders Should Sign This Offseason

By Brendan Balsamo

The Roughriders have easily the best team in the XFL, and the Raiders could take multiple players from their stacked roster.
The Roughriders have easily the best team in the XFL, and the Raiders could take multiple players from their stacked roster. / XFL/Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders have had some serious struggles since last making the playoffs in 2016. This past season saw some good rookies trending in the right direction for the team, but they'll need some more support if they want to crack the postseason for their first year in Las Vegas.

They have some well-positioned draft picks this year, but if they can also draw some talent from the XFL, they could see some serious improvements in 2020. Here are three XFLers they should target.

3. RB James Butler, Houston Roughriders

James Butler has been a force in the backfield this season in the XFL.
James Butler has been a force in the backfield this season in the XFL. / XFL/Getty Images

The University of Iowa product has been probably the best running back in the XFL on the XFL's best team. Butler currently leads the entire league in rushing touchdowns with four and has 221 rushing yards on 46 carries, good for a 4.8 average. The Raiders need someone like Butler to support Josh Jacobs, as the lack of depth in their backfield is concerning. The Offensive Rookie of the Year can bear the load, but with Butler helping, there'd be a lot less pressure.

2. CB Deatrick Nichols, Houston Roughnecks

Deatrick Nichols is likely the best corner in the XFL.
Deatrick Nichols is likely the best corner in the XFL. / XFL/Getty Images

The Houston Roughnecks easily have the best players in the entire XFL, and it doesn't end on the offensive side of the ball. Deatrick Nichols currently leads the XFL in interceptions with three, and he even has 24 tackles and a sack. The South Florida alum would be a great fit in Oakland as the team is currently unsure of who will play opposite Trayvon Mullen. With Isaiah Johnson and Karl Joseph hitting free agency, Nichols could come in and make an impact right away.

1. LB Terence Garvin, St. Louis BattleHawks

Terence Garvin has finally found some stability, but in what is likely his last try at the NFL, can he make it at the highest level?
Terence Garvin has finally found some stability, but in what is likely his last try at the NFL, can he make it at the highest level? / Jeff Curry/Getty Images

Terence Garvin bounced around five different NFL teams since he graduated from West Virginia in 2012, and even played in the AAF. Now, he's finally found some stability in the XFL. He currently has 36 combined tackles, good for third in the league, and a sack. With almost no production at all from the linebacker position last season in Las Vegas, Garvin, despite already being 29 years old, could be a solid target for Jon Gruden and Co.