Could Raiders use Cory Littleton as a SAM linebacker in 2021?

The linebacker position has been a major problem for the Raiders for the last decade. They’ve certainly tried to fill the position over the years but haven’t found a solution.

Last offseason, the Raiders thought they solved the issue when they signed former Pro Bowler Cory Littleton to a long-term deal. But in his first season with the Raiders, he looked like a shell of himself in Paul Guenther’s defense.

New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is already challenging Littleton in Year 2, hoping to get more from the free-agent signee. But where might Littleton play in 2021? In a recent media availability session, Bradley suggested Littleton could play on the outside some:

“And I think the other thing we’ve seen on (Littleton) is he’s really a good edge setter. So, I think he has that ability maybe in base to be more of an outside linebacker for us too.”

Littleton’s best position is as a weakside linebacker and that is primarily where he played last year. So do Bradley’s comments suggest that he could play the strongside linebacker spot, ala K.J. Wright in Seattle? That position requires a player to hold up well on the line of scrimmage and cover tight ends, which does suit Littleton well.

If the Raiders are searching for a way to get their three best linebackers on the field, Littleton to SAM might make some sense. But with most teams only playing two linebackers on the majority of snaps, expect Littleton to resume playing the weakside (WILL) linebacker spot.