After clearing enough cap space to join in free agency, the Oakland Raiders have targeted a veteran cornerback.

According to an NFL source, the Raiders will visit Thursday with former St. Louis cornerback Ronald Bartell. I think a fairly fast deal between Bartell and the Raiders is possible.

Bartell was cut by St. Louis in a salary-cap move. He played just one game last season due to an injury. But the seventh-year Howard product has started 66 NFL games. He is known for his cover skills, but he is not a real interception threat. He has eight interceptions in his career.

Bartell would be a solid addition to a defense that is desperate for help at cornerback. The Raiders don’t have any starting-quality cornerbacks with experience on the roster. Safety Michael Huff could be moved to corner and second-year player DeMarcus Van Dyke may get a chance to start.

Oakland is also visiting with Houston guard Mike Brisiel.