01:27 AM ET 03.20 |
It's a new era Raider Nation. For the first time that I can
remember, the Raiders have been relatively silent thus far in free
agency. Certainly, not having a ton of money plays a part in the slow
action, but you can tell this year it's just different. Years past,
we'd get one huge FA signing and throw a ton of money his way -
regardless of whether it made sense or not. Now we are looking for
players who aren't big names, but will fill the need. And we still have
the knack for picking players with something to prove (only this time
they are coming cheaper).
Let's review:
After cutting
Stanford Routt, we signed DB Brandon Underwood, a 6th round pick
by GB in 2009. Underwood has a questionable history off the field, but
he also has a history with McKenzie since they were with the Packers at
the same time. McKenzie is sticking his neck out with this pick and it
will be interesting to see what Reggie sees in Underwood.
Struggling
with salary cap issues, the Raiders released S Hiram Eugene and DT John
Henderson (both failed physicals), CB Chris Johnson, TE Kevin Boss and
LB Kamerion Wimbley. Guard Cooper Carlisle was released but later
re-signed with the team.
The team has lost QB Jason Campbell
(Bears), DE Trevor Scott (Pats) WR Chaz Schilens (Jets), WR/PR Rock
Cartwright (Niners) and there are still quite a few free agents on the
block.
After making the necessary cuts and seeing what holes were
left after losing additional players, the Raiders picked up CB Ron
Bartell from the Rams, CB Shawntae Spencer from the Niners and G Mike
Brisiel from Houston.
Keeping in mind that the Carlisle re-signing
just occurred today, I was pretty excited about the Mike Brisiel
pickup this weekend. An undrafted free agent signed by the Texans in 2006, Brisiel helped
carve running lanes for Foster and Tate, and brings a good veteran presence
for our young offensive line. Now that Carlisle has re-signed, I look
forward to their competition for the starting spot and feel good about
the added depth in that position.
Ron Bartell, a second
round draft pick by the Rams in 2005, also adds veteran leadership to
the team and will help mentor DVD and Chekwa. Bartell is coming off a
neck injury, but he was only signed to a one year deal, so he'll be
competing for a longer contract as well as helping the young guys in the
position.
Reggie McKenzie says of Brisiel and Bartell: "Both
players are proven, productive professionals with excellent track
records in this league. We are extremely excited to have them both play
for the Raiders." Okay then Reggie, if you're excited I am
too.
Shawntae Spencer, a second round pick by SF in
the 2004 draft, suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and lost
his job as starter. The SF
Chronicle reports that Harbaugh didn't like his lack of special
teams play and that's why he was cut last week. Spencer will be playing
with a chip on his shoulder. He's got a one year deal as well so he'll
be looking to lengthen that contract too.
More to come I'm sure
as we get closer to the draft. Not a lot of picks, but if McKenzie is
the talent evaluator that everyone lauds him as, there should be some
diamonds in the rough in the later rounds. Plus we have compensatory
picks coming - two, maybe three - to help us build through the draft.
It's a new era with slow but steady maneuverings. A nice change if you ask me.
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Comments (29) Add A Comment
I've read that Brisiel is familiar with the blocking scheme that Knapp likes to run so that will help a lot. I'm really pleased with the added depth at corner. Now we need some LBs stat!
I'll miss Cartwright for both his play on the field and his charitable contributions off the field. Luckily, he's only across the bay so he can continue what he started in Oakland.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
Lost Bush to the Bears yesterday, I am not sure how they are going to fill this gap.
I agree I am OK with their more deliberate approach to the offseason. Has anyone heard what they plan to do with Terrelle Pryor this year
drysdale
Total Comments (1980)
Hopefully, McFadden will have a healthy season and we can see with Palmer can do with an offense he has a chance to get to know.
Not much to look forward to on draft day this year. You are right, RB's can be found and Bush was signed for a pretty hefty price -- wasn't it around $7M
drysdale
Total Comments (1980)
It sure would be nice if he could play a full season. And I'm looking forward to seeing if chemistry can be built with our receivers.
Bush got good money. Four years, $14 mil with $7 mil guaranteed. No way we could have paid that.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
I think Palmer will get better use out of our receiving corps than we have seen in recent years. I thought they might have resigned Boss, but he was out a lot last year so not a big loss.
LOHI -- Thanks for the blog and btw what's with the cat on the Avatar
drysdale
Total Comments (1980)
good point about palmer and getting some chemistry with our WO's. coming in mid-year into a circus did not pan out there. if he could get the timing right with ford on the fly route.....hello big plays! good to see bush got his $$ after having that atrocious first year adn working thru it. forte better shut up about it tho. he is no AP and not getting those $$. mac...please field a competitive team. next year get more picks and stack us up for a long term run. cannot stay in cap he$$ forever.
crazyalzado
Total Comments (4066)
I don't know really - I picked it when I signed up in 2007 and it's just kind of been there since!
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
Sorry, I'll let Alchemist take care of that. He seems to be focused on that lately...
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
It might just my my cautious optimism, but I think we're going to be fine this year. We've had a lot of roster changes, but with a full off season I think we'll be okay. My main concern right now is the LB position so we need more contracts to get restructured so we have enough money to sign either last minute FAs or rookies.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
I love that you are handing Denver the division already. I hereby name you an official Broncomanic!
Mondo Jay
Total Comments (20012)
I just typed something in a Raider group. Aaaaaah! My fingers are burning!
Mondo Jay
Total Comments (20012)
It's disturbing if you ask me... You have a Bronco fan club he can join?
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
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