Chaka
Footballguy
Amen Brother.I know we're just having fun here, but let's have the defense *EARN* a nickname before we just hand it to them.
signed,
Cold Bucket of Ice Water
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
2016 Oakland Raiders thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Hankmoody
- Start date
Sarlakticacid
Footballguy
Chadstroma
Footballguy
The "Please Stop" Defense.... hhmmnn.... sounds more like our defense in years past than what we look to be shaping up now.
Chaka
Footballguy
I appreciate that the team looks much stronger than in years past but the hype is getting out of hand. Hearing this type of talk, not just this thread but in the mainstream media (and directly from the players), in July worries me a ton. It's a set-up for disappointment. Let's not forget that JDR is a career sub .500 coach and this team still has some depth issues at WR, RB, LB and probably at the safety position. If Belichick were the coach I would be leading the bandwagon but with JDR I think it is way too soon to be thinking about nicknaming our defense or, worse, taking the division title (11-5 record? Really?).
People often point to Belichick's tenure in Cleveland as an example of how a coach can overcome a poor start to their coaching career. But I just watched the ESPN 30 for 30 on BB's time with the Browns and it is easy to forget the circumstances he was dealing with and how incredibly well he did both on the field and building a top notch coaching staff under terrible circumstances. BB was always a great head coach.
People often point to Belichick's tenure in Cleveland as an example of how a coach can overcome a poor start to their coaching career. But I just watched the ESPN 30 for 30 on BB's time with the Browns and it is easy to forget the circumstances he was dealing with and how incredibly well he did both on the field and building a top notch coaching staff under terrible circumstances. BB was always a great head coach.
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
It is also easy to forget the circumstances JDR was dealing with in Jacksonville. Just head over to profootballrefernce.com and take a gander at the QBs he had to work with. JDR also has a strong reputation for hiring good coaches, and I believe we see evidence in the hiring of Norton, Tice and Woodson.
Skepticism is merited but the jury is still out on JDR. Also remember that this is a player's league and coaches aren't generally big difference makers either way, unless the coach's name is BB.
Skepticism is merited but the jury is still out on JDR. Also remember that this is a player's league and coaches aren't generally big difference makers either way, unless the coach's name is BB.
Sarlakticacid
Footballguy
Most of us here would be cautiously optimistic about our prospects this season but it is the off season and very little going. Throwing around a few potential names as a bit of fun attests gives us a bit of a laugh and keeps the thread on page 1.
Digging through to page 4 to find the thread can be disappointing at times
Digging through to page 4 to find the thread can be disappointing at times
Chadstroma
Footballguy
I like Norton a lot but I think it is still early to make a real judgment on him as a DC. There ought to be no debate that Tice is, and has long been recognized as being so, one of the best OL coaches in the game. This is Woodson's second go around. I love the guy and it is hard for me to see him not being an effective coach but again- we need more time. Not to mention he is the assistant DB coach.
I also would say that I don't agree with the coaches not generally making a big difference. Leadership matters. Game plans matter. Systems matter. Coaches have a real impact on a team. Absolutely. Either in a positive or negative way. They certainly do matter.
massraider
Footballguy
I'm hoping we get a bit of the no-huddle we heard about last year.
Carr should be a lot more comfortable in the offense, Musgrave talked about it, and I have a feeling that Carr would love that kind of quick rhythm stuff.
I'd love to see it used out of the blue. Maybe after a long Oakland drive, where the line just mashed their way down the field, and the team gets a 3 and out. Opposing teams defense comes right back on the field, and bam-Carr goes hurry up.
Carr should be a lot more comfortable in the offense, Musgrave talked about it, and I have a feeling that Carr would love that kind of quick rhythm stuff.
I'd love to see it used out of the blue. Maybe after a long Oakland drive, where the line just mashed their way down the field, and the team gets a 3 and out. Opposing teams defense comes right back on the field, and bam-Carr goes hurry up.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Bad @$$es In Memorium:Who died and made you King bad-@$$?
Al Davis
Ken Stabler
Jack Tatum
Lyle Alzado
Todd Christensen
Ben Davidson
Chester McGlockton
Bubba Smith
Gene Upshaw
Dave Dalby
Dan Turk
John Matuszak
George Blanda
Ben Davidson
Dave Dalby
We've lost a lot of our identity and the Poise and Pride all of the above fostered for the Raiders over the years, and if it takes me to fire some of that back up by getting pumped up, then will proudly carry that mantle.
Well, at least until training camp news starts in earnest and we can focus on what's actually shaping up in terms of this D gelling.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Their loss is doubly sad for me.
Didn't know Easy Ed's son is making a play to join the team as a UDFA.
http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raiders/post/_/id/14797/max-mccaffrey-hoping-to-make-his-own-name-with-raiders
OTA recaps/pics for those interested:
http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Oakland-Raiders-OTAs-Week-3-Round-Up/9c6cd29d-bca2-439c-abb2-dfe0e8a0ca17
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Yes he was. Had a solid 5 year career, all in the Silver & Black. RIP Dr.!
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
sheesh....cant we enjoy ourselves for once/ the teams been so bad for so long this is like a breath of fresh air...who cares if they havent proved anything yet...its getting exciting ...i think some fans are just so beat down from being disappointed year after year they dont know when to just trust the gut and run with it...this team has a new feel to it...its been building for 3 years now and its getting better each year...enjoy it
Last edited by a moderator:
massraider
Footballguy
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Minicamp Day 1 notes:
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/6/14/11939436/oakland-raiders-minicamp-day-1-notes-vets-return-ad-dc-heats-up-awesome-to-see
-Rookie defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. made an impressive play during Tuesday’s session, bursting through the offensive line and meeting the running back behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss on the play.
-The catch of the day belonged to fullback Marcel Reece who made an impressive grab during one of the team’s seven-on-seven sessions, diving back across his body to haul in a pass from quarterback Derek Carr.
-Cornerback DJ Hayden also enjoyed a few highlights Tuesday, making back-to-back pass breakups during one of the team’s final 11-on-11 sessions.
http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Practice-Notebook-Raiders-Open-Three-Day-Minicamp/01394253-aa0e-436e-bf67-3ae284f5208f
Notables:
-After being a limited participant throughout most of the Offseason Workout Program, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. returned to the field – without restriction—Tuesday.
-Rookie defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. made an impressive play during Tuesday’s session, bursting through the offensive line and meeting the running back behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss on the play.
-Punter Marquette King was his usual boisterous self, showing off his impressive leg and routinely forcing punt returners to retreat back to their goal lines to receive his kicks.
-The catch of the day belonged to fullback Marcel Reece who made an impressive grab during one of the team’s seven-on-seven sessions, diving back across his body to haul in a pass from quarterback Derek Carr.
-Cornerback DJ Hayden also enjoyed a few highlights Tuesday, making back-to-back pass breakups during one of the team’s final 11-on-11 sessions.
And my own notes: the NHL is now moving a team to Las Vegas. Seems like this may add even more heat to get an NFL team there too.
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/6/14/11939436/oakland-raiders-minicamp-day-1-notes-vets-return-ad-dc-heats-up-awesome-to-see
-Rookie defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. made an impressive play during Tuesday’s session, bursting through the offensive line and meeting the running back behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss on the play.
-The catch of the day belonged to fullback Marcel Reece who made an impressive grab during one of the team’s seven-on-seven sessions, diving back across his body to haul in a pass from quarterback Derek Carr.
-Cornerback DJ Hayden also enjoyed a few highlights Tuesday, making back-to-back pass breakups during one of the team’s final 11-on-11 sessions.
http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Practice-Notebook-Raiders-Open-Three-Day-Minicamp/01394253-aa0e-436e-bf67-3ae284f5208f
Notables:
-After being a limited participant throughout most of the Offseason Workout Program, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. returned to the field – without restriction—Tuesday.
-Rookie defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. made an impressive play during Tuesday’s session, bursting through the offensive line and meeting the running back behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss on the play.
-Punter Marquette King was his usual boisterous self, showing off his impressive leg and routinely forcing punt returners to retreat back to their goal lines to receive his kicks.
-The catch of the day belonged to fullback Marcel Reece who made an impressive grab during one of the team’s seven-on-seven sessions, diving back across his body to haul in a pass from quarterback Derek Carr.
-Cornerback DJ Hayden also enjoyed a few highlights Tuesday, making back-to-back pass breakups during one of the team’s final 11-on-11 sessions.
And my own notes: the NHL is now moving a team to Las Vegas. Seems like this may add even more heat to get an NFL team there too.
LawFitz
Footballguy
Also, rumors are hot and heavy this week that the Fertitta brothers have sold the UFC to a Chinese hedge fund for $4 billion.Stompin' Tom Connors said:
If true, don't be surprised if they try to find a way to get in on the Raiders move by buying a stake in the team. It would allow them to shield at least part of the the UFC sale proceeds from taxes using a 1031 exchange and they have long been rumored to be interested in NFL ownership. Clouding that picture is their ownership of the Station Casinos, but they can get around that by having one brother take sole stake in the casinos, while the other becomes are minority (or even majority) owner of the Raiders.
Just my personal speculation, but $4 billion is alotta chedda and rich people hate paying taxes. And the Fertittas are known NFL nuts.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Super interesting as a Raider and a UFC/MMA fan. Would imagine that in prep for sale, the Fertittas looked at ways to minimize gains tax by setting up an ESOP to defer taxes on distributions, converting the corporation to a different status (A to S, for example), and that proceeds of the sale are also divided up into deferred amounts as well.
That said, timing is really interesting, and didn't know they were in the market for an NFL team.
Sarlakticacid
Footballguy
Sarlakticacid
Footballguy
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
i can't recall where I read it but I thought a group lead by Lott and Pete where in discussions with Oakland about a new stadium. Also that the mayor recently met with Goddell with very positive results.
massraider
Footballguy
Stay strong, Von Miller. Don't be afraid to sit out 10 games, buddy.
massraider
Footballguy
http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2016/06/16/raiders-training-camp-position-battles/
Jimmy Durkin's piece on training camp battles. I didn't copy/paste because frankly, we ain't got too much up in the air. KR and PR? Right tackle is a juicy battle really, but that to me is not concerning, just a nice battle, and I expect us to be happy with the result.
Training camp/preseason stuff I will be looking for, and some stuff I won't:
D-line rotation, and final roster: We are going to cut some people that we like. Heard on a Raiders podcast that they expect Autry to not make the cut. Hope that's not true. How will they use Mario? Will Jihad crack the rotation, and will he be a 3-tech, or DE? Deepest group on the team, and I think we may see some funny thrashing of 2nd team offensive lines in August. Raiders might be good August plays with the bookie.
Linebacker: I feel like I'm less worried about this spot than everyone else. Heeney, Smith, Irvin, we'll field a fine LB squad. If Heeney does step up, that would be a major boost to the team, tho, for sure.
Nickel CB: DJ or TJ? Also keeping an eye on one of my two 'guys' this year, Dexter McDonald (Autry being the other).
Backup RB: Seems like no one in Raider Nation likes Latavius. If Washington looks good, the hype might get deafening.
Backup QB: Meh. Whatever. I like McGloin, but seems like it's his last year here. Looking forward to seeing Cook in the summer, but I'm not worked up about this battle.
Jimmy Durkin's piece on training camp battles. I didn't copy/paste because frankly, we ain't got too much up in the air. KR and PR? Right tackle is a juicy battle really, but that to me is not concerning, just a nice battle, and I expect us to be happy with the result.
Training camp/preseason stuff I will be looking for, and some stuff I won't:
D-line rotation, and final roster: We are going to cut some people that we like. Heard on a Raiders podcast that they expect Autry to not make the cut. Hope that's not true. How will they use Mario? Will Jihad crack the rotation, and will he be a 3-tech, or DE? Deepest group on the team, and I think we may see some funny thrashing of 2nd team offensive lines in August. Raiders might be good August plays with the bookie.
Linebacker: I feel like I'm less worried about this spot than everyone else. Heeney, Smith, Irvin, we'll field a fine LB squad. If Heeney does step up, that would be a major boost to the team, tho, for sure.
Nickel CB: DJ or TJ? Also keeping an eye on one of my two 'guys' this year, Dexter McDonald (Autry being the other).
Backup RB: Seems like no one in Raider Nation likes Latavius. If Washington looks good, the hype might get deafening.
Backup QB: Meh. Whatever. I like McGloin, but seems like it's his last year here. Looking forward to seeing Cook in the summer, but I'm not worked up about this battle.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
How did I miss Townsend Jr being signed?! It is going to be hard for him to make the team at DE. Does he have any size- enough to be kicked inside at times? Sorry, I am a sucker for the legacy guys.
McGloin is one of those guys that outperforms his physical abilities through hard work and smarts. He will never be more than an adequate backup. Cook has potential with the physical tools. I think his biggest negative is the whole question of him being liked and a leader- but that is something you don't really need in a backup (unless your starter goes down for a long time) and if he performs well in pre-season and spot duty, a QB needy team will be willing to part with high compensation to give him a whirl even if he is not a leader.
McGloin is one of those guys that outperforms his physical abilities through hard work and smarts. He will never be more than an adequate backup. Cook has potential with the physical tools. I think his biggest negative is the whole question of him being liked and a leader- but that is something you don't really need in a backup (unless your starter goes down for a long time) and if he performs well in pre-season and spot duty, a QB needy team will be willing to part with high compensation to give him a whirl even if he is not a leader.
Chaka
Footballguy
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Interesting that coming out of minicamp, I heard as much hype about UDFA's Joe Hanley (WR) and James Cowser (DE) as I did about the return of the AC/DC connection, the position battles at RT and backup QB, and the like.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Good insight. DIdn't know much about this dude. Here is his scouting report via NFL.com:
OVERVIEW
One of the most productive players in the Football Championship Subdivision in 2014 (28.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks in 2014), Cowser used strong hands and a great motor to beat tackles again in his senior campaign (19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles). In fact, he set FCS records for career sacks (42.5) and tackles for loss (80) last season, his second straight season garnering All-American notice from the Walter Camp Foundation, the Associated Press, and other outlets. Cowser is a bit older than the typical draft prospect because he redshirted at SUU in 2009 before heading to a two-year LDS church mission. Combining that maturity with strength, intensity and production makes for an intriguing prospect.
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.73 seconds
Vertical: 34 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
Bench: 24 reps of 225 pounds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Has a high-end motor that never stops. FCS Defensive Player of the Year. Active pass rusher with quick hands and welltimed hand swipes at the top of his rush. Rushes from both ends and has a tight, basketball spin move from either direction that puts him in position to win. Quick second and third steps for darting inside moves. Sheds with proper timing to make the tackle. Studious in classroom and film room.
WEAKNESSES Funky body type with relatively thin limbs, but broad hips. Play speed masks a lack of twitch and explosiveness. Feet gather and stall before leaving the starting blocks or changing directions. Limited stride length to gain ground as rusher off the line of scrimmage. Unsettled feet at point of attack lead to balance battles. Needs to set edge with a wider base for greater power and control.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 6 or 7
NFL COMPARISON Zack Wagenmann
BOTTOM LINE When it comes to production, there is nobody better in FCS history than Cowser who owns the all¬time records in sacks (43) and tackles for loss (80). Cowser's above average hand usage, diversity of attack and relentless motor were the keys to his FCS success, but he has to prove he is athletic enough and strong enough to become a productive NFL starter as a 3-4 outside linebacker. At worse, Cowser is a backup and special teams ace.
RELATED LINKS
Brandt: Official Southern Utah pro day results
-Lance Zierlein
Chadstroma
Footballguy
How many edge guys are we realistically going to keep? We have a mix of guys that can play both DE and OLB but there are only so many positions we can fill there. I like what I am hearing about some of the young guys we brought in but it seems like we may be sending some guys to get picked up by other more needy teams come roster cuts.
Chaka
Footballguy
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
The Aldon Smith suspension may turn out to be a blessing. His roster exemption allows for an additional roster spot that can be used to prospect. He should be returning just as injuries are taking their toll and they can IR stash someone they don't want to expose to make room for him.
It's so refreshing to see this team finally building through the trenches instead of speed.
Last edited by a moderator:
Chadstroma
Footballguy
That is a good thought on the Aldon Smith situation. It gives us the chance to keep one more DE/OLB guy and chances are by the time Aldon is allowed to come back someone will be hurt and sent to IR.
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
im dying to see how high Madden 2017 has the Raiders ranked lol
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
i'm revisiting this. opening weekend threw me off, but i've always wanted to go to NOgood stuff as always in here.
i'm doing a NO road trip this year. who's in?
LawFitz
Footballguy
Jeremy Botter @jeremybotter 1m1 minute agoAnd the stuff about Lorenzo (UFC owner) wanting to be involved with the Raiders in Vegas….100% true.
SDJohnny
Footballguy
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/6/20/11982406/ufc-zuffa-accepts-bid-4-billion-sale-dana-white-staying-mma-news
UFC Sold for 4.2 Billion. We will see what it means for the Raiders.
UFC Sold for 4.2 Billion. We will see what it means for the Raiders.
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
David Amerson - DB - Raiders
David Amerson is fully expected to be the Raiders' starting corner opposite Sean Smith.
We haven't had a blurb on Amerson since he was waived by the Redskins last September. The Raiders claimed him and immediately plugged him in as the starter Week 4. A second-round bust in D.C., Amerson's career path took a 180-degree turn. From Week 4 on, Amerson was PFF's No. 9 overall cover corner, allowing a 55-percent catch rate and 2:4 TD:INT ratio with 13 pass breakups. With Smith and Amerson, the Raiders might finally have a respectable corner duo.
David Amerson is fully expected to be the Raiders' starting corner opposite Sean Smith.
We haven't had a blurb on Amerson since he was waived by the Redskins last September. The Raiders claimed him and immediately plugged him in as the starter Week 4. A second-round bust in D.C., Amerson's career path took a 180-degree turn. From Week 4 on, Amerson was PFF's No. 9 overall cover corner, allowing a 55-percent catch rate and 2:4 TD:INT ratio with 13 pass breakups. With Smith and Amerson, the Raiders might finally have a respectable corner duo.
SDJohnny
Footballguy
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/6/21/11996464/oakland-raiders-entering-contract-year-set-to-hit-free-agency-in-2017
By Levi Damien @LeviDamien on Jun 21, 2016, 4:00p
It's never too early to start thinking about those players who are entering the final season of their career with the Raiders. For some of these players, the team will be considering extensions even before the season is over, as they did with Michael Crabtree last season. Here are those players who will have the team considering their future this season;
Unrestricted Free Agents
David Amerson (24) - He was claimed off waivers from Washington last season with two years left on his rookie contract. After a resurgence with the team last season, he will look to keep it going in his contract year and if he can, he could become one of the more coveted free agents should he hit the market, which means he won't come cheap.
Malcolm Smith (26) - Yeah, it seems like he just arrived in Oakland. After spending most of his career as a reserve in Seattle, he wanted to prove he was worth a long term deal, so he signed a two-year contract with the Raiders. Last season he proved his worth, leading all linebackers in snaps. If he can keep it going, he will get that long term deal which would hopefully allow him to finish his career with the Raiders.
DJ Hayden (25) - The new regime's first ever first round pick will head into his final season due to the team not picking up his fifth year option. He is battling for the team's third cornerback spot at the moment. He has never played the slot before so it's hard to say if he can do it now. Thus far in his career, he has been a dud.
Menelik Watson (27) - Hard to believe we're here already considering how little this former second round pick has seen the field in his career. This will be his last chance to get healthy and stay that way. And even if he can, it's hard to foresee a large long term contract in his immediate future. He will need to prove he can stay healthy for more than a season.
Latavius Murray (25) - Also in the final year of his rookie contract. He broke out and made the Pro Bowl last season in his first year as the fulltime starting running back. The team has added some help in the form of fifth round pick DeAndre Washington who could eat into Murray's carries. Murray is a big, strong back who will hit the market in his prime with very little wear on his tires.
Mychal Rivera (25) - Rivera had his best season in 2014 with 10 starts, catching 58 passes for 534 yards. But he has always struggled with the blocking portion of his job description. The addition of Clive Walford in the 2015 draft has pushed him down the depth chart.
Stacy McGee (26) -- That 2013 draft, I tell ya. McGee and the four above players are all from that class which will be pushing to not just be passing through. McGee has been hanging around the bubble as a reserve defensive tackle his entire career.
Matt McGloin (26) - The Scranton Scrapper has carved out a nice career for himself so far. He started six games as a rookie and has beating back all competition for the primary backup spot behind Derek Carr every season since. With the addition of Connor Cook, McGloin's return to Oakland after this season is uncertain.
Neiko Thorpe (26) - Like McGloin, Thorpe received a round two RFA tender this season. Thorpe has had some good moments as a reserve cornerback - including a game sealing interception against the Ravens last year -- and even started a couple games. After part of a season in Kansas City to begin his career and a season in the CFL, he has found a home in Oakland. He will have to fight hard to remain as the team will continue to look to upgrade the position.
Matt McCants (26) - McCants has spent the past three seasons with the Raiders as a reserve offensive lineman. He received an original round RFA tender (6th round) this offseason.
Roy Helu Jr (27) - Came to the Raiders last offseason on a 2-year free agent contract. Has done nothing so far and has been injured quite a bit, including having surgery on both hips this offseason. He may be hard pressed to make the roster this year.
Marcel Reece (30) - One of the more proud Raiders players you'll ever find. He worked his way up from undrafted free agent tight end on the practice squad to three-time Pro Bowl fullback. He's in his 30s now and with the team giving an extension to fellow fullback Jamize Olawale, 2016 could be Reese's farewell tour. But first he must serve the final three games of his four-game suspension for failing a PED test.
Jon Condo (34) - The longtime long snapper will be 35 years old. He's still very productive, but whenever a contract comes up and the player is in his mid-thirties, one must figure the odds are not in their favor of getting a new deal.
One year contracts
Nate Allen (28) - Was cut after one season and re-signed to a one year deal. He will most likely be a reserve behind starters Reggie Nelson and Karl Joseph, which will make getting a long term deal hard to come by.
Andre Holmes (28) - Holmes was allowed to test the free agent market this offseason and saw no interest, so he returned to the Raiders on a one year deal. The team has liked him as a big red zone target for a while now, but he is not very dependable.
Daren Bates (25) - Spent the first three years of his career in St Louis as a special teams ace and reserve linebacker.
Brynden Trawick (26) - Also a special teamer as a safety. Spent first three years of his career in Baltimore.
Damontre Moore (23) - Former third round pick by the Giants in the 2013 draft, so he too is in the final year of his rookie contract. This is now his third team and therefore his last chance to prove he can be a productive NFL player.
Restricted Free Agents
Denico Autry (25)
Dewey McDonald (26)
Korey Toomer (27)
John Lotulelei (24)
By Levi Damien @LeviDamien on Jun 21, 2016, 4:00p
It's never too early to start thinking about those players who are entering the final season of their career with the Raiders. For some of these players, the team will be considering extensions even before the season is over, as they did with Michael Crabtree last season. Here are those players who will have the team considering their future this season;
Unrestricted Free Agents
David Amerson (24) - He was claimed off waivers from Washington last season with two years left on his rookie contract. After a resurgence with the team last season, he will look to keep it going in his contract year and if he can, he could become one of the more coveted free agents should he hit the market, which means he won't come cheap.
Malcolm Smith (26) - Yeah, it seems like he just arrived in Oakland. After spending most of his career as a reserve in Seattle, he wanted to prove he was worth a long term deal, so he signed a two-year contract with the Raiders. Last season he proved his worth, leading all linebackers in snaps. If he can keep it going, he will get that long term deal which would hopefully allow him to finish his career with the Raiders.
DJ Hayden (25) - The new regime's first ever first round pick will head into his final season due to the team not picking up his fifth year option. He is battling for the team's third cornerback spot at the moment. He has never played the slot before so it's hard to say if he can do it now. Thus far in his career, he has been a dud.
Menelik Watson (27) - Hard to believe we're here already considering how little this former second round pick has seen the field in his career. This will be his last chance to get healthy and stay that way. And even if he can, it's hard to foresee a large long term contract in his immediate future. He will need to prove he can stay healthy for more than a season.
Latavius Murray (25) - Also in the final year of his rookie contract. He broke out and made the Pro Bowl last season in his first year as the fulltime starting running back. The team has added some help in the form of fifth round pick DeAndre Washington who could eat into Murray's carries. Murray is a big, strong back who will hit the market in his prime with very little wear on his tires.
Mychal Rivera (25) - Rivera had his best season in 2014 with 10 starts, catching 58 passes for 534 yards. But he has always struggled with the blocking portion of his job description. The addition of Clive Walford in the 2015 draft has pushed him down the depth chart.
Stacy McGee (26) -- That 2013 draft, I tell ya. McGee and the four above players are all from that class which will be pushing to not just be passing through. McGee has been hanging around the bubble as a reserve defensive tackle his entire career.
Matt McGloin (26) - The Scranton Scrapper has carved out a nice career for himself so far. He started six games as a rookie and has beating back all competition for the primary backup spot behind Derek Carr every season since. With the addition of Connor Cook, McGloin's return to Oakland after this season is uncertain.
Neiko Thorpe (26) - Like McGloin, Thorpe received a round two RFA tender this season. Thorpe has had some good moments as a reserve cornerback - including a game sealing interception against the Ravens last year -- and even started a couple games. After part of a season in Kansas City to begin his career and a season in the CFL, he has found a home in Oakland. He will have to fight hard to remain as the team will continue to look to upgrade the position.
Matt McCants (26) - McCants has spent the past three seasons with the Raiders as a reserve offensive lineman. He received an original round RFA tender (6th round) this offseason.
Roy Helu Jr (27) - Came to the Raiders last offseason on a 2-year free agent contract. Has done nothing so far and has been injured quite a bit, including having surgery on both hips this offseason. He may be hard pressed to make the roster this year.
Marcel Reece (30) - One of the more proud Raiders players you'll ever find. He worked his way up from undrafted free agent tight end on the practice squad to three-time Pro Bowl fullback. He's in his 30s now and with the team giving an extension to fellow fullback Jamize Olawale, 2016 could be Reese's farewell tour. But first he must serve the final three games of his four-game suspension for failing a PED test.
Jon Condo (34) - The longtime long snapper will be 35 years old. He's still very productive, but whenever a contract comes up and the player is in his mid-thirties, one must figure the odds are not in their favor of getting a new deal.
One year contracts
Nate Allen (28) - Was cut after one season and re-signed to a one year deal. He will most likely be a reserve behind starters Reggie Nelson and Karl Joseph, which will make getting a long term deal hard to come by.
Andre Holmes (28) - Holmes was allowed to test the free agent market this offseason and saw no interest, so he returned to the Raiders on a one year deal. The team has liked him as a big red zone target for a while now, but he is not very dependable.
Daren Bates (25) - Spent the first three years of his career in St Louis as a special teams ace and reserve linebacker.
Brynden Trawick (26) - Also a special teamer as a safety. Spent first three years of his career in Baltimore.
Damontre Moore (23) - Former third round pick by the Giants in the 2013 draft, so he too is in the final year of his rookie contract. This is now his third team and therefore his last chance to prove he can be a productive NFL player.
Restricted Free Agents
Denico Autry (25)
Dewey McDonald (26)
Korey Toomer (27)
John Lotulelei (24)
massraider
Footballguy
It's weird, that list has Amerson, and a bunch of the same kind of players: Like to have you back, at a certain price.
A lot of eyes will be on Amerson this season, both Raiders and the rest of the NFL. Everyone else will rightly figure: can the Raiders have two $10 mill CBs, with Mack and Carr on the horizon? I wonder if Reggie will decide that Amerson isn't worth the money he's going to get as a UFA. I would have loved to at least have heard about the teams' attempt to sign him before this season, even $8 mill per might seem like a bargain this time next year. My gut says we are going to lose him, and we should be thankful for two cheap seasons.
I think for sure Rviera, McGloin, and McGee are gone. Replacements on rookie deals are already on the team.
Hayden, I think he won't be a priority, but I could see him coming back on a one year deal.
Menelik will be interesting. If he wins the job, he's suddenly a young starting RT on the market. If he doesn't win the job, I think he takes a short term deal somewhere to win a job, and play for a bigger deal.
I think Malcolm Smith will be wanted back, but look around for a better contract, and he might get it from someone. Phillip Wheeler all over again. Not a bad player, but replaceable.
I think this is it for Reece.
Holmes and Allen are probably in the same boat: Unless they take cheap one year deals, they won't be back.
I have absolutely no opinion of Matt McCants.
We'll know about Latavius by the end of the year. Hard to imagine the team spending money there. Take the 7 mill Murray will cost, put it towards Amerson, and replace Murray with a draft pick. Is there a Raider fan alive that wouldn't do that??
Let's give Autry some Mayowa-type money.
A lot of eyes will be on Amerson this season, both Raiders and the rest of the NFL. Everyone else will rightly figure: can the Raiders have two $10 mill CBs, with Mack and Carr on the horizon? I wonder if Reggie will decide that Amerson isn't worth the money he's going to get as a UFA. I would have loved to at least have heard about the teams' attempt to sign him before this season, even $8 mill per might seem like a bargain this time next year. My gut says we are going to lose him, and we should be thankful for two cheap seasons.
I think for sure Rviera, McGloin, and McGee are gone. Replacements on rookie deals are already on the team.
Hayden, I think he won't be a priority, but I could see him coming back on a one year deal.
Menelik will be interesting. If he wins the job, he's suddenly a young starting RT on the market. If he doesn't win the job, I think he takes a short term deal somewhere to win a job, and play for a bigger deal.
I think Malcolm Smith will be wanted back, but look around for a better contract, and he might get it from someone. Phillip Wheeler all over again. Not a bad player, but replaceable.
I think this is it for Reece.
Holmes and Allen are probably in the same boat: Unless they take cheap one year deals, they won't be back.
I have absolutely no opinion of Matt McCants.
We'll know about Latavius by the end of the year. Hard to imagine the team spending money there. Take the 7 mill Murray will cost, put it towards Amerson, and replace Murray with a draft pick. Is there a Raider fan alive that wouldn't do that??
Let's give Autry some Mayowa-type money.
LawFitz
Footballguy
^^^Yep, going into this year, Amerson is the only player on that list who is significantly better than replacement level (assuming last year wasn't an aberration). Lat and Smith are both slightly above replacement level, but Reggie's Packer philosophy says no to paying big money for RBs and ILBs unless they are truly special players, and I highly doubt either of these two will turn into that this year.
If we can re-sign some of these guys on the cheap, fine. Otherwise, let 'em walk and take the cap flexibility and some compensatory draft picks in 2018. Much bigger free agent fish to fry in 2018 and 2019 (Mack, Carr, Gabe, Jelly, Aldon, Amari, Mario, Clive).
If we can re-sign some of these guys on the cheap, fine. Otherwise, let 'em walk and take the cap flexibility and some compensatory draft picks in 2018. Much bigger free agent fish to fry in 2018 and 2019 (Mack, Carr, Gabe, Jelly, Aldon, Amari, Mario, Clive).
Similar threads
