Breaking News: Javon Walker To Be a Raider (1 Viewer)

[Banger]

Paging SSOG

He just sent a PM assuring me that this event will have no impact on Walker being the #1 WR in Denver, so all this hubbub is over nothing.

I'm sure he'll be their red zone target....

 

[schooner44]

On behalf of Walker fantasy owners everywhere:

I hope the guys in my league are thinking the same way. Russell figures to have a sophomore season similar to that of Dan Marino in 1984.

RN,I respect most things you post here but when it comes to Raider stuff, you are just too biased. Marino had played almost his entire rookie season and was already a proven NFL QB when his sophomore season rolled around. Russel p;layed in spots and didn't look too good. He is a far cry from Marino record setting season.As far as Walker goes, yes I was very surprised at this release by Denver but I am SHOCKED at the money he got. He likely can still play but considered his bad attitude in the past and his injuries, Al Davis must be out of his damm mind to give him that kinda $$. For the good of football in general, Al Davis needs to go away.

 

[H.K.]

Russell figures to have a sophomore season similar to that of Dan Marino in 1984.

Agree 100%. There is no way Russell wins the Super Bowl next season.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Had been trying to trade for him but this news made me pull my offer. Oakland is where players go to die. Not good news for Walker owners.

I disagree. IF Walker is healthy, another year or two of maturing for Russell could result into decent value for Walker. While he won't have WR1 value, I could see him having decent WR2 value if Russell blossoms.

And it's that logic which makes Walker one of the easiest fantasy receivers for me to slot this year. He's going to be drafted higher than I'm willing to value him in every league.

I disagree with that also. The fact that he's with the Raiders, and has knee issues, will keep his draft slot low. Now is the time to obtain him cheap IMO.

We'll see...I bet come the heart of draft season, if Walker actually practices during camp, he'll be going top-15 or so and there is no way on this Earth I would draft him that high. Where do you think he'll come off the board Johnny?

No way does Walker rank in the top 30

 

[TheFanatic]

As a Walker owner in a Dynasty League this was the last place I wanted to see him go. Well, maybe after Minnesota...

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Kind of an amazing thing, the Raider trashing on this board.Go look at the thread which is still on page 1, about Walker being cut by Denver. To a man, the reaction was Now that Oakland picks him up, he is certifiable trash. Go figure.

It's not that he was signed, that's a given. It's what he was signed for that's alarming. Often injured and an attitude to boot.

With the position that the Raiders are in, and the state of free agency, and the money everyone had, it's a risk I am happy to take.They need to give Jamarcus weapons, they have the cap room, I prefer this guy to anyone else out there. It is a big gamble, but the Raiders have to take these gambles.I am a lot more upset about Tommy Kelly, that deal made no sense.

 

[No. 16]

As a Raider fan I'm thrilled about the signing... am I thinking this will put us over the top? No, but where the Raiders are at, the options in FA, and in the draft the potential reward was worth the risk.

I like what the Raiders have done this off-season as they have addressed players at several "need" areas: S, DL, RB, WR, OL. Now will Wilson, Kelly, Fargas, Walker, and Kwame Harris turn the Raiders into contenders probably not, but the Raiders have nothing to loss at this point. Also, every signing this off-season allows the Raiders more flexibility with the #4 pick... they don't have to draft for need so much but draft for BPA or even trade out of the spot to pick up more picks or players.

Like I said in the Wilson thread and what Kaso brought up.... don't look at the money. Look at the players the Raiders signed and retained and I like most of the players they have signed (unsure about Harris, but hopefully Cable can work some magic). Any NFL team with a decent front office can always make moves to get under the cap each off-season. None of these guys pan out... we'll cut em in a year or 2, when the NFL cap will be even bigger than now. In the NFL contracts don't mean as much as they do in the NBA... as teams can always cut players or force them to re-structure their contracts.

Most people are saying they would want Walker on their team, but not for that money. Well you know what... money doesn't matter so much in building an NFL team... especially when you're a bad team with tons of cap room. You just need to accumulate talent 1st to become a contender and the Raiders are trying to do that.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

 

[BoltBacker]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

I think it depends on how you define "reaching out". If you bring him in to look at his knee, decide it's been through a blender and don't offer a contract did you "reach out" to him? What if you simply called his agent to find out what ballpark his salary demands were going to be? It's not like you ever get a straight answer out of den with regard to injuries anyway so how would any other team in the league no how healthy his knee was without contacting him? If you believe what they've said over the past 8 months I'm not even sure if den is certain about the knee.I think the fact oak was willing to offer the deal speaks more about the healthy of his knee than whatever "reaching out" to him means.

 

[Jason Wood]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

I think it depends on how you define "reaching out". If you bring him in to look at his knee, decide it's been through a blender and don't offer a contract did you "reach out" to him? What if you simply called his agent to find out what ballpark his salary demands were going to be? It's not like you ever get a straight answer out of den with regard to injuries anyway so how would any other team in the league no how healthy his knee was without contacting him? If you believe what they've said over the past 8 months I'm not even sure if den is certain about the knee.I think the fact oak was willing to offer the deal speaks more about the healthy of his knee than whatever "reaching out" to him means.

Both the Eagles and Redskins were listed among the "10 teams" interested and both came out and both immediately denied being involved at all; suggesting that the agent was trying to drum up demand. Judging from the monster deal he landed in Oakland, looks like he did his job.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Is Walker an upgrade over Porter ???? ABSOLUTLY BIG TIME

 

[Ghost Rider]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Or it could mean that many of those teams didn't make Walker an offer he liked once they found out his knee is still hurt (speculating here), which is why he eventually signed with the league's biggest laughingstock. Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

 

[scott72]

$55 mil, 27 mil over the first 3 years. Jeez. Someone needs to simply take the franchise away from Al and put him out to pasture so he can't continually worsen this franchise. Even if Walker were fully healthy this deal is a disaster.

Unbelievable. No wonder athletes cry and whine about contracts and constantly demand trades. Look what it gets them? Al Davis outta be taken out back and shot.

 

[scott72]

Aside from his physical health the thing I worry most about is his mental health. The shooting had a very adverse affect on his entire personality. It seemed like he tried to keep everything inside and was having a very hard time coping. He kind of reminded me of the C. Thomas Howell character in Red Dawn, where the hate was consuming him. To give him that kind of contract with all that going against him is a huge gamble especially coming off the Moss mess.

Maybe for that reason it was the best thing he could have done by getting out of Denver. To many bad memories there for him. Maybe a new environment will be good for his mental health.

Hmm just like getting out of Green Bay was good for him too right? See a pattern forming here?

 

[scott72]

Has anyone read anything about Walker passing a physical before he was signed???? I cant find one mention of it.

Having said that, after Green Bay screwed him over and so did Denver I'm glad he finally got some money.

Hilarious. Do we really have to get into this yet again?

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Or it could mean that many of those teams didn't make Walker an offer he liked once they found out his knee is still hurt (speculating here), which is why he eventually signed with the league's biggest laughingstock. Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

Green Bay screwed him big time guilting him into playing when his contract was sub standard and then he blows his knee and they then screew him again.He goes to Denver on a contract that promised much, but didn't deliver much.

Good for him that he finally gets his pay day

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Has anyone read anything about Walker passing a physical before he was signed???? I cant find one mention of it.

Having said that, after Green Bay screwed him over and so did Denver I'm glad he finally got some money.

Hilarious. Do we really have to get into this yet again?

Yes, please do so.Many, Many other players who perform to the level Javon Walker did in his 3rd season (89-1382-12) get extensions and new deals. Many players holdout until a new deal is done etc.Walker to his credit played on even after threatening. Look where it got him.

 

[scott72]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

And thats what it's always been about for Javon. Bad advice from money hungry family members has ruined his decision making. Oh well, at least he can share his new wealth with his greedy family now.

 

[Chunky Soup]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

And thats what it's always been about for Javon. Bad advice from money hungry family members has ruined his decision making. Oh well, at least he can share his new wealth with his greedy family now.

Nice accusations here. Without guaranteed contracts, you're faulting the player for extra money? Javon has a near-elite skillset. He should be getting a lot of money.

 

[kaso]

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

How does that make any sort of difference when Walker was only in the league for the last 6? I am sure it made no difference to him who was a better team 15 years ago while he was in high school. Even last season doesn't matter anymore, every team right now is 0-0. And don't take that as me saying the Raiders are going to win the Super Bowl either, clearly the teams can be ranked on their perceived strengths, but at this point every team is equal as far as the standings are concerned.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

And thats what it's always been about for Javon. Bad advice from money hungry family members has ruined his decision making. Oh well, at least he can share his new wealth with his greedy family now.

The thing that you have to wonder about here is the fact that Denver had to have all the medical info on Walker's knee. They had a recent 2nd rounder invested in him. The $5.4 Million roster bonus he was due wouldn't be all that bad given some of the recent signings we've seen. Walker may have said a few things in Denver that didn't help his cause, but if they thought he was healthy enough to put up 1300/10 next year, they would have never cut him. The next thing is the fact that he signed for the same money that Randy Moss did. Randy Moss is coming off a 1500/23 season. Walker is only 1.5 years younger, and hasn't had a really good year since 2004. His only really good year.

 

[scott72]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Or it could mean that many of those teams didn't make Walker an offer he liked once they found out his knee is still hurt (speculating here), which is why he eventually signed with the league's biggest laughingstock. Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

Green Bay screwed him big time guilting him into playing when his contract was sub standard and then he blows his knee and they then screew him again.He goes to Denver on a contract that promised much, but didn't deliver much.

Good for him that he finally gets his pay day

Walker signed a 5 year deal for a rookie contract in 2002. He signed it, no gun to his head or anything. He agreed to it. He had a breakout year in 2004 and after that one big year he wanted a new deal despite two years remaining on his rookie contract. How can you say the Packers should of torn up his old deal after one good season? How many other teams do that? It was just bad luck that he got hurt that next season. I guess the Packers made the right decision in hindsight. The Packers have shown their willingness to reward players that show up for more than one season, (Driver, Kampy, Barnett and probably several more this year). If JWalk would have had another solid year in 05, or even came back in 06 and had a solid year, there's no doubt in my mind he would have gotten a new deal. He got greedy and bad advice from family and felt he deserved to cash in on his one good year and because the Packers held their ground he pouted like a child and demanded a trade. Like I said, not many NFL teams are tearing up deals with several years remaining on them because said player has a good year.

Then come the Broncos who cough up a 2nd round pick to the Packers and give Walker a 5 yr 40 million dollar deal. Walker has a good year in 2006 (1084,8). All the sudden in 2007 here we go again. Javon isn't happy with the Broncos anymore and wants out. Denver cuts himin February because they can't work a trade, which is funny because if he's such a hot commodity then why wouldnt anyone cough up a draft pick for him?

Bottom line is the guy has talent, but is immature and greedy. Now he's damaged goods and the Raiders just backed up the Brinks truck to his house to get him to sign. I just hate seeing players get rewarded for demanding trades and whining about contracts. We'll see how long he lasts in Oakland before he's unhappy.

 

[scott72]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

And thats what it's always been about for Javon. Bad advice from money hungry family members has ruined his decision making. Oh well, at least he can share his new wealth with his greedy family now.

Nice accusations here. Without guaranteed contracts, you're faulting the player for extra money? Javon has a near-elite skillset. He should be getting a lot of money.

They aren't accusations. I don't have links, but when he was fighting with the Packers, people close to Javon said themselves that he's getting bad advice from family. Regarding the contract, 16 mill is guaranteed and he's going to be playing at least the 1st couple years which gives him 9 mill per correct? Like I said I don't doubt his skills, but he's very injury prone and has an attitude problem. How do you reward that? We'll see is Oakland becomes the 3rd team to get burned by Javon. The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior.

 

[scott72]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

And thats what it's always been about for Javon. Bad advice from money hungry family members has ruined his decision making. Oh well, at least he can share his new wealth with his greedy family now.

The thing that you have to wonder about here is the fact that Denver had to have all the medical info on Walker's knee. They had a recent 2nd rounder invested in him. The $5.4 Million roster bonus he was due wouldn't be all that bad given some of the recent signings we've seen. Walker may have said a few things in Denver that didn't help his cause, but if they thought he was healthy enough to put up 1300/10 next year, they would have never cut him. The next thing is the fact that he signed for the same money that Randy Moss did. Randy Moss is coming off a 1500/23 season. Walker is only 1.5 years younger, and hasn't had a really good year since 2004. His only really good year.

Exactly. He's been in the league since 02, had two good years and everyone thinks he's on the level with Randy Moss? I don't get it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Or it could mean that many of those teams didn't make Walker an offer he liked once they found out his knee is still hurt (speculating here), which is why he eventually signed with the league's biggest laughingstock. Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

Green Bay screwed him big time guilting him into playing when his contract was sub standard and then he blows his knee and they then screew him again.He goes to Denver on a contract that promised much, but didn't deliver much.

Good for him that he finally gets his pay day

Walker signed the contract! Yeah, how dare the team expect him to play out a contract that he himself signed. And, yes, I know that teams have no problem cutting players in the middle of contracts, too, so it cuts both ways, but Walker is your prototypical modern day athlete who feels that he should get a huge raise for having one great season. And as time has shown since, he wasn't worth the money he was wanting, so in hindsight, Green Bay was smart for not giving in and forking over big cash to a player who appears to be injury-prone. Besides, the Broncos then gave him a great deal (and traded a high draft pick for him), and he repays them for whining his way out of Denver after two seasons, inferring that he doesn't want to play second fiddle to Brandon Marshall, who has emerged.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

How does that make any sort of difference when Walker was only in the league for the last 6? I am sure it made no difference to him who was a better team 15 years ago while he was in high school. Even last season doesn't matter anymore, every team right now is 0-0. And don't take that as me saying the Raiders are going to win the Super Bowl either, clearly the teams can be ranked on their perceived strengths, but at this point every team is equal as far as the standings are concerned.

Nice spin.

 

[NorrisB]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3277219

Soon after being released, at least a third of the league reached out to the six-year veteran.

That tells me his knee isn't quite as bad as some think it is.

Or it could mean that many of those teams didn't make Walker an offer he liked once they found out his knee is still hurt (speculating here), which is why he eventually signed with the league's biggest laughingstock. Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

Green Bay screwed him big time guilting him into playing when his contract was sub standard and then he blows his knee and they then screew him again.He goes to Denver on a contract that promised much, but didn't deliver much.

Good for him that he finally gets his pay day

Walker signed the contract! Yeah, how dare the team expect him to play out a contract that he himself signed. And, yes, I know that teams have no problem cutting players in the middle of contracts, too, so it cuts both ways, but Walker is your prototypical modern day athlete who feels that he should get a huge raise for having one great season. And as time has shown since, he wasn't worth the money he was wanting, so in hindsight, Green Bay was smart for not giving in and forking over big cash to a player who appears to be injury-prone. Besides, the Broncos then gave him a great deal (and traded a high draft pick for him), and he repays them for whining his way out of Denver after two seasons, inferring that he doesn't want to play second fiddle to Brandon Marshall, who has emerged.

Seriously, in the last two years, Walker has now whined his way out of Green Bay and Denver, two of the winningest teams of the last 15 years, and then signed with a franchise that has been a joke for years now (thanks to Al Davis). I guess, kudos to Walker for getting any team to cough up that kind of cash to him.

How does that make any sort of difference when Walker was only in the league for the last 6? I am sure it made no difference to him who was a better team 15 years ago while he was in high school. Even last season doesn't matter anymore, every team right now is 0-0. And don't take that as me saying the Raiders are going to win the Super Bowl either, clearly the teams can be ranked on their perceived strengths, but at this point every team is equal as far as the standings are concerned.

Nice spin.

Actually he wanted to leave denver after they asked him to take a pay cut.

 

[Couch Potato]

I'm trying to think what song BradyFan83 will pair up with Javon later in the season.............

I wrote the Randy Moss song that BradyFan83 sang awhile back. We've talked about me writing another later this offseason if we can come up with a good topic. Maybe Javon (Levon by Elton John) could have potential.

 

[Coogar]

The Raiders should get the guy who wipes the drool off Al Davis' chin to make the personel decisions from now on.

 

[salmonstud]

As a Javon Walker owner in several dynasty leagues I actually don't mind the signing. If healthy, is the clear cut #1 WR receiver on a team with a strong armed young QB. The Raiders will be playing from behind allot in the near future. Walker will be getting allot of fantasy points in the 4th quarter in meaningless games (although not in fantasy).

 

[massraider]

Actually he wanted to leave denver after they asked him to take a pay cut.

This is the kind of fact that people tend to ignore.BTW, Javon's deal includes a $6 million dollar bonus, and salaries of $5 mill in 2008, and 2009. Two years, $16 mill.If he blows then the Raiders will have to eat the prorated portion of his signing bonus in 2010. That amount is $4 mill.If the NFL opts out of the CBA early, as many expect, 2010 will be an uncapped year.Overpaid? You bet. Crippling salary cap killer? Not at all.Back to your regularly scheduled tired, ill-informed jokes.Loud Noises!!!

 

[Raider Nation]

On behalf of Walker fantasy owners everywhere:

I hope the guys in my league are thinking the same way. Russell figures to have a sophomore season similar to that of Dan Marino in 1984.

RN,I respect most things you post here but when it comes to Raider stuff, you are just too biased. Marino had played almost his entire rookie season and was already a proven NFL QB when his sophomore season rolled around. Russell played in spots and didn't look too good. He is a far cry from Marino record setting season.

:(I didn't think I needed to clarify it, but I was only kidding about the Marino comment. That was one of the three best seasons I've ever seen a QB have. If Russell can throw more TDs than picks, and not completely soil himself, I'll consider it a positive development.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Actually he wanted to leave denver after they asked him to take a pay cut.

This is the kind of fact that people tend to ignore.BTW, Javon's deal includes a $6 million dollar bonus, and salaries of $5 mill in 2008, and 2009. Two years, $16 mill.

If he blows then the Raiders will have to eat the prorated portion of his signing bonus in 2010. That amount is $4 mill.

If the NFL opts out of the CBA early, as many expect, 2010 will be an uncapped year.

Overpaid? You bet. Crippling salary cap killer? Not at all.

Back to your regularly scheduled tired, ill-informed jokes.

Loud Noises!!!

Just got a look at the actual contract figures for wide receiver Javon Walker.

Turns out the figures given to me Wednesday by the club ($6 million to sign, $5 million salary in each of the next two seasons) were in error.

Walker actually got $11 million to sign and has salaries of $4 million in 2009, $6 million in 2010, $8 million in 2011 and $10 million in 2012 and 2013.

There is also a $5 million roster bonus which, at the Raiders option, is scheduled to be picked up in 2009. It is in essence a three-year, $27 million contract, or a four-year, $35 million deal.

http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/

 

[Ghost Rider]

Actually he wanted to leave denver after they asked him to take a pay cut.

So, the guy who wanted a raise for over-performing his contract in GB and then #####ed until they got rid of him, now did the same thing when Denver asked him to take a pay cut when he under-performed his contract? So, in Javon's world, if he over-performs, he gets a raise, but if he under-performs, being asked to take a pay cut is insulting. Oh, man, that's rich!!!

 

[FavreCo]

The Raiders should get the guy who wipes the drool off Al Davis' chin to make the personel decisions from now on.

Dude, that's a full time job. How is that guy going to find time to moonlight as the Raiders Personnel Exec.?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Raiders' spending on Walker can be justified

It didn't take long for the media to find the perfect word to describe the six-year, $55-million deal the Oakland Raiders extended to wide receiver Javon Walker.

"Lucrative."

The word fits. The 29-year-old ex-Denver Bronco cashed in for more than any other free-agent wide receiver this offseason. He'll earn more than Randy Moss in New England, Bernard Berrian in Minnesota, Jerry Porter in Jacksonville and Donte' Stallworth in Cleveland.

The lucrative deal, however, prevented something potentially ludicrous from occurring in Oakland in 2008. That is, having Johnnie Lee Higgins (or any other wideout on the Raiders' current roster) start the 2008 season as the team's No. 2 receiver.

If the Raiders didn't lock up at least one proven pass catcher this offseason, they'd have been left with only one experienced WR on their roster, 28-year-old Ronald Curry. He's the only under-contract wideout on Oakland's current depth chart -- Walker not included -- who has more than 10 career catches.

Now, with the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Walker in the fold, Curry suddenly becomes the No. 2 guy. For $55 million, Walker will jump into the top receiving slot, giving young quarterback JaMarcus Russell two proven targets next season, instead of one proven pass catcher and several young unknowns.

In his six-year career (four with the Green Bay Packers, two with the Broncos), Walker has hauled in 252 passes for 3,815 yards and 30 touchdowns. The former first-round pick from Florida State has surpassed the 1,000-yard bar twice since entering the NFL, making him the only Raider with at least one 1,000-yard season under his belt. Even Porter, who left the team this offseason for a $30 million deal with the Jaguars, has never reached 1,000 yards receiving in a season.

The major question surrounding Walker, however, is his health.

The soon-to-be seventh-year man is guaranteed a $6 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary over the next two years -- or $16 million total -- despite missing 23 games because of injury over the past three seasons.

Last season, Walker missed eight weeks after suffering a right knee injury in a Week 3 loss at Jacksonville. In the two weeks prior, the veteran wideout posted consecutive 100-plus-yard outings to kick off the '07 campaign.

Two years earlier, in 2005, Walker tore his right ACL during the Packers' season opener. He had two surgeries that year to repair the knee.

The heavily front-loaded deal, then, is a rather surprising one, considering Walker's recent trouble avoiding injury. Yet, not acting at all would have been an equally surprising move for team owner Al Davis to make. Outside of Curry, all of the wideouts on Oakland's roster are untested.

Of all the big-money deals the Raiders have made this offseason, this one makes the most sense.

http://ypn-js.overture.com/d/search/p/ypn/...b=1204846681284

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Actually he wanted to leave denver after they asked him to take a pay cut.

This is the kind of fact that people tend to ignore.BTW, Javon's deal includes a $6 million dollar bonus, and salaries of $5 mill in 2008, and 2009. Two years, $16 mill.If he blows then the Raiders will have to eat the prorated portion of his signing bonus in 2010. That amount is $4 mill.If the NFL opts out of the CBA early, as many expect, 2010 will be an uncapped year.Overpaid? You bet. Crippling salary cap killer? Not at all.Back to your regularly scheduled tired, ill-informed jokes.Loud Noises!!!

Took a break at the barber shop to take a call from the Raiders from a team official that clarified the salary figures on Javon Walker after getting a better explanation.He still gets $16 million in the first two years, but it goes like this:$11 million bonus this year along with $1 million in salary.$4 million in salary in 2009.There's also a $5 million roster bonus next year.The $11 million is a big number, but is spread out over the six-years of the deal when it comes to the salary cap.The $11 million divided by six plus the $1 million salary gives Walker a $2.38 million "cap number."No matter how you look at it, Javon got paid nicely.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Raiders' spending on Walker can be justified

It didn't take long for the media to find the perfect word to describe the six-year, $55-million deal the Oakland Raiders extended to wide receiver Javon Walker.

"Lucrative."

The word fits. The 29-year-old ex-Denver Bronco cashed in for more than any other free-agent wide receiver this offseason. He'll earn more than Randy Moss in New England, Bernard Berrian in Minnesota, Jerry Porter in Jacksonville and Donte' Stallworth in Cleveland.

The lucrative deal, however, prevented something potentially ludicrous from occurring in Oakland in 2008. That is, having Johnnie Lee Higgins (or any other wideout on the Raiders' current roster) start the 2008 season as the team's No. 2 receiver.

If the Raiders didn't lock up at least one proven pass catcher this offseason, they'd have been left with only one experienced WR on their roster, 28-year-old Ronald Curry. He's the only under-contract wideout on Oakland's current depth chart -- Walker not included -- who has more than 10 career catches.

Now, with the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Walker in the fold, Curry suddenly becomes the No. 2 guy. For $55 million, Walker will jump into the top receiving slot, giving young quarterback JaMarcus Russell two proven targets next season, instead of one proven pass catcher and several young unknowns.

In his six-year career (four with the Green Bay Packers, two with the Broncos), Walker has hauled in 252 passes for 3,815 yards and 30 touchdowns. The former first-round pick from Florida State has surpassed the 1,000-yard bar twice since entering the NFL, making him the only Raider with at least one 1,000-yard season under his belt. Even Porter, who left the team this offseason for a $30 million deal with the Jaguars, has never reached 1,000 yards receiving in a season.

The major question surrounding Walker, however, is his health.

The soon-to-be seventh-year man is guaranteed a $6 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary over the next two years -- or $16 million total -- despite missing 23 games because of injury over the past three seasons.

Last season, Walker missed eight weeks after suffering a right knee injury in a Week 3 loss at Jacksonville. In the two weeks prior, the veteran wideout posted consecutive 100-plus-yard outings to kick off the '07 campaign.

Two years earlier, in 2005, Walker tore his right ACL during the Packers' season opener. He had two surgeries that year to repair the knee.

The heavily front-loaded deal, then, is a rather surprising one, considering Walker's recent trouble avoiding injury. Yet, not acting at all would have been an equally surprising move for team owner Al Davis to make. Outside of Curry, all of the wideouts on Oakland's roster are untested.



Of all the big-money deals the Raiders have made this offseason, this one makes the most sense.

http://ypn-js.overture.com/d/search/p/ypn/...b=1204846681284

Truly a scary thought for Raider fan.

 

[Coogar]

The scary thing is I don't know how much interest there was in Walker from other teams. I wonder if anybody timed his 40 as he ran to sign that contract?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

A moment of clarity

The Raiders have been mocked and scorned nationally for their spending in free agency.

The last two deals, WR Javon Walker and OT Kwame Harris, have raised questions just about why the Raiders are wasting money.

In case you missed it, the Raiders were reported to have given Walker a six-year deal worth up to $55 million, $16 million guaranteed.

In the case of Harris, he was reported to have received a three-year deal worth up to $16 million.

The key words, however, are "up to."

So instead of ripping the team for spending money, lets look at how these deals impact the Raiders.

From the Raiders’ perspective, Harris has a one-year deal worth $3 million, with two option years that would make it a $14 million deal. If Harris reaches playing incentives, he’d earn an additional $2 million in year three.

But if things don’t work out, the Raiders can part ways with Harris after 2008. But the belief is Harris, 25, can reach his potential playing for offensive line coach Tom Cable after an uneven stint with the 49ers.

The team has talked to Harris about playing left tackle, where he’d replace Barry Sims.

As for Walker, he’ll receive a $6 million bonus and salary of $5 million in each of the next two seasons to account for the guaranteed amount that has been reported.

So the Raiders see it as a two-year deal for $16 million.

Chances are if Walker plays like the Pro Bowl receiver he’s been, he’d get a new deal before year three, assuming all is well between the union and owners.

--Jason Jones