Vance

Walker

Walker was scheduled to visit the Packers next but won’t make the trip. The soon-to-be 27-year-old can push the pocket some and play the run. He’s mainly been a 4-3 defensive tackle but could replace Tyson Jackson at left end in Kansas City’s 3-4. Walker started 15 games in 2013, amassing 40 tackles and three sacks.

Walker, who turns 26 next month, earned a reputation for solid run stopping in four seasons with Atlanta, and has five sacks over the past two years. The Raiders’ roster is so weak that Walker projects as a possible Opening Day starter. Entering Monday, Rotoworld’s Evan Silva ranked Walker as the 49th best free agent left on the market. A link to the full article is accessible at the link below.

Speaking Monday, coach Dennis Allen hinted Walker’s concussion was severe. Playing on a one-year deal, Walker has been a solid run plugger along the Raiders’ defensive line, playing 677 snaps. He should be considered week to week, but it sounds like there’s a chance he ends up on injured reserve.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette initially reported Walker agreed to a deal with the Chiefs. Walker’s agent denied the report and says Walker will visit the Seahawks on Sunday. Walker was also previously scheduled to visit Green Bay.

Walker, 27 next month, has been a solidly productive interior lineman for the Falcons and Raiders the past two seasons. He plays average to above-average run defense and has eight sacks the past three years. Walker could be an option to replace Tyson Jackson at left end in Kansas City’s 3-4 defense.

Playing on a one-year deal last season, Walker was an acceptable run plugger, but isn’t worth overpaying. If he’s not open to a take-it-or-leave-it offer, the Raiders should let him leave it.

Originally a seventh-round pick in 2009, Walker recorded 25 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble as a solid rotational lineman last season.

He was headed for a starting role at defensive end before tearing his right ACL at Monday’s practice. It looks like former Texan Jared Crick will get first crack at replacing him on the edge. Denver re-signed TE/FB Manasseh Garner in the corresponding roster move.

Walker could earn the “starter” title, but there should be a heavy rotation along the defensive line. Free-agent addition Jared Crick, who played for both coach Gary Kubiak and DC Wade Phillips in Houston, will see his fair share of snaps, and second-rounder Adam Gotsis should be involved as well. One player will not replace Jackson, but the Broncos have enough quality depth to mitigate his loss.

Walker could not put any weight on his right leg as he came off. Expected to replace Malik Jackson in the starting lineup, losing Walker would be a big blow for Denver. Jared Crick replaced him in practice.