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Raiders’ free agency preview: Pushing the pocket up front is a priority

ALAMEDA — It’s no secret what the Raiders’ most glaring need is this offseason.

Last year they mustered only 13 sacks as a team, fewest in a single season since the 2008 Chiefs finished with just 10. By contrast, the next lowest teams in sacks (the Patriots and Giants) had 30.

Jon Gruden traded Khalil Mack, his best player and pass-rusher, a week before the regular season started, and 2018 proceeded accordingly for an anemic Raiders defensive line. The Raiders released Bruce Irvin midway through the season, and the combination of rookies Arden Key, Mo Hurst, P.