***Official 2009 Oakland Raiders Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Chadstroma]

Asomugha, Raiders nearing deal

Story Highlights

Deal could bring Nnamdi Asomugha at least $26M in guarantees

Contract has been sent to NFL Management Council for approval

The six-year deal has an out clause for Asomugha after two seasons

By Jim Trotter, SI.com

Nnamdi Asomugha and the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of a landmark contract that could bring the All-Pro cornerback $26 million, at least, in guarantees over the next two years, a source familiar with the negotiations said today.

Agent Tom Condon has forwarded the proposed contract to the NFL's Management Council for approval, which is usually the final step before a deal is finalized.

Asomugha, one of the game's top cornerbacks, will be franchised for a second consecutive year if the Management Council rejects the contract proposal. Teams have until 4 p.m. today to designate franchise players; the Raiders would use the tag on Asomugha to protect themselves from losing him in free agency without compensation.

The $26 million approximates what Asomugha would earn over the next two years if the Raiders used the franchise tag on him in 2009 and 2010. The source said the guaranteed money could climb as high as $29 million over the next two years. Even more noteworthy is the proposed deal, which runs six years for salary cap purposes, includes an out clause that would allow Asomugha to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season.

Yesterday, the Raiders reached agreement with free-agent punter Shane Lechler on a $12 million, four-year deal that reportedly includes $9 million in

Not to sure about this out clause, but:



Giggity Giggity-Goo!!!!!!!!

This would rock, come on Raiders get the deal done. On a side note, who else would the Raiders use the franchise tag on or would they not use it this year if they signed Nnamdi?

I do not think there is anyone worth using the tag on after Aso is signed and Lechler already signed. COME ON RAIDERS! ABC!

 

[eric rymer]

Aso just signed.

link

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Asomugha gets $28.5 million guaranteed in deal with Raiders

Nnamdi Asomugha and the Oakland Raiders agreed to terms on a six-year contract that will bring the All-Pro cornerback $28.5 million guaranteed over the next two years, a source familiar with the negotiations said today.

Agent Tom Condon forwarded the proposed contract to the NFL's Management Council this morning, which the council approved.

Asomugha's contract voids after the second season unless the Raiders pay him $16.8 million for 2011 or the franchise tag for a quarterback, whichever is higher.

Yesterday, the Raiders reached agreement with free-agent punter Shane Lechler on a $12 million, four-year deal that reportedly includes $9 million in guarantees.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

I'm a little confused...Trotter reports it's a 6 year deal and Schefter reports it's a 3 year deal....which is it?

 

[eric rymer]

I'm a little confused...Trotter reports it's a 6 year deal and Schefter reports it's a 3 year deal....which is it?

nothing on CBS or Fox....ESPN is reporting 3 years 45.3 mil

 

[No. 16]

I'm a little confused...Trotter reports it's a 6 year deal and Schefter reports it's a 3 year deal....which is it?

I hope it's Schefter's deal because it sounds like the 3rd year is a team option of basically the frnachise tag or 16 million. The Trotter reports the same 2 year out but it doesn't say who holds the decision.

 

[No. 16]

Either way!!

Glad we kept our 2 Pro-Bowl players!!

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Clayton and Schefter report it as a 3 year deal, with the 3rd year being voidable unless the Raiders pay him the average of the top 5 QBs in the NFL. If they don't he's a FA in 2011. We basically tagged him for the next 2 years with the option of tagging him a 3rd time in '11. That is a lot of guaranteed money for 1 player.

Glad he's staying with us, but I guess I'm a bit disappointed....was hoping it would be more of a 'a Raider for life' kinda deal. The saga continues in 2 to 3 years it looks like.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Nnamdi deal growing: 3 years, $45 million



Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has agreed to a staggering contract that will keep him in Oakland for three years and $45 million with $28.6 million guaranteed, The Chronicle's Nancy Gay has confirmed at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Of note, the language includes a guarantee that Asomugha will not be franchise tagged again when his contract expires. He'll be due some $17 million in the third year but there is an option to void the contract, which would make it a two-year deal.

(Be patient as more and more details leak: the deal is complicated).

"I'm very relieved," Raiders coach Tom Cable told The Chronicle, confirming the deal is now final. "I'm excited for 'Nnam,' I'm excited for our team."

The $28.6 million tops what Asomugha would have made over the next two seasons if the Raiders continued to use the franchise tag on him. Now that the can't tag him after the 2011 season, Asomugha could then engotiate yet another deal or become a free agent at age 31.

With that, the Raiders kept their two Pro Bowl free agents from leaving by making them the highest-paid players at their position. On Wednesday, Lechler got a punter-record $16 million over four years with $9 million guaranteed -- the previous top salary for a punter was $2.354 million a year.

Last year, they gave Tommy Kelly the richest contract for a defensive tackle in NFL history -- the difference being, this time, they're giving the money to proven Pro Bowlers.

 

[One]

wow.. Sounds like we're hit harder on the cap for he next few years than if we'd have just franchised him.

I'm glad he's on board, but man.

 

[Raider Nation]

 

[massraider]

Glad he's staying with us, but I guess I'm a bit disappointed....was hoping it would be more of a 'a Raider for life' kinda deal. The saga continues in 2 to 3 years it looks like.

That's a long way away. Aso is giving the Raiders two years to show that they are worth him staying here.Aso will have a big cap number, but he is worth every penny. Forget about the talent, he is the definition of a guy you want to build your team around, character-wise. If Al can stop playing Madden 08 in free agency, and making ridiculous move like Hall and Javon Walker, and more moves like locking up solid homegrown talent, we will be fine.I am not worried about cap numbers down the road. They have a way of working themselves out.

 

[Chadstroma]

Aso just signed.

link

:whoosh:

 

[Chadstroma]

Glad he's staying with us, but I guess I'm a bit disappointed....was hoping it would be more of a 'a Raider for life' kinda deal. The saga continues in 2 to 3 years it looks like.

That's a long way away. Aso is giving the Raiders two years to show that they are worth him staying here.Aso will have a big cap number, but he is worth every penny. Forget about the talent, he is the definition of a guy you want to build your team around, character-wise. If Al can stop playing Madden 08 in free agency, and making ridiculous move like Hall and Javon Walker, and more moves like locking up solid homegrown talent, we will be fine.I am not worried about cap numbers down the road. They have a way of working themselves out.

Not to mention this gives us some good will capital with Aso and allows us to revisit a deal in a few years when there is likely more room to negoitate again.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/0...he-raiders.html

 

[DA RAIDERS]

this is what i have been hoping would happen. scrabble signs a sick contract & we franchise lechler. get a OT in the first, a DT in the 2nd & a WR in the 3rd.c'mon al, you can do it!

looking half way decent now..

 

[msommer]

Glad he's staying with us, but I guess I'm a bit disappointed....was hoping it would be more of a 'a Raider for life' kinda deal. The saga continues in 2 to 3 years it looks like.

That's a long way away. Aso is giving the Raiders two years to show that they are worth him staying here....I am not worried about cap numbers down the road. They have a way of working themselves out.

Bear in mind that the 2010 season looks to be uncapped - if the deal is then 2 years the 'cap hit' for the third (fourth through sixth if it is a 6 year deal) voidable year is immaterial - smart accounting

 

[S.K.A.]

Awesome start to the offseason! This almost offsets my apprehension over retaining Cable as the head coach.

 

[Autumn Wind]

Awesome start to the offseason! This almost offsets my apprehension over retaining Cable as the head coach.

I'm not going to go nuts just yet. Re-signing Aso and Lechler was great, but all it really ensures is that Oakland should be no worse off in those two areas. There will need to be improvement in a lot of others before I feel confident in Cable.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

FROM DAVID WHITE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE… Raiders owner Al Davis did just that Thursday, re-signing the Pro Bowl starter to a staggering three-year, $45.3-million contract with $28.5 million of it guaranteed. Asomugha could not be reached for comment. Raiders coach Tom Cable is just glad they got the deal done before Thursday’s deadline to use the one-year franchise tag on Asomugha, which the Raiders would have done if they couldn’t have completed a deal. “I’m very relieved,” Cable said at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “I’m excited for Nnam. I’m excited for our team.” Get a load of the load Asomugha will make. The first two years pay him $28.5 million - all guaranteed. That’s how much he would have made if the Raiders used the franchise tag on him. The difference now is both years are guaranteed against injury.

The buzz in Indy on Thursday was all about the huge contract the Raiders gave Asomugha. Making Asomugha the highest-paid player not just at corner but in the NFL is certainly going to have a ripple effect on all other new contracts that will be signed. The highest-paid corner in the NFL prior to Asomugha was Asante Samuel. Samuel is making slightly more than $9.5 million per year, and now the new deal for Asomugha is over $15 million per year. A significant jump — in fact, a very significant jump. The key to contracts for most clubs is that the larger the guarantee a club gives, the more years it can expect to receive. But not at the Hotel. They’re just giving large money and short deals, an agent’s paradise.

How will this affect the contract status of the Tennessee Titans’ Albert Haynesworth? How does he not make more than Asomugha? This just cost the price of getting into the Haynesworth sweepstakes to go way up. If the Lions and Bucs are going to be bidders for Haynesworth (and all reports here in Indy seem to suggest they will), this deal will force them to increase their offers.

The Shane Lechler deal was just as stunning. In talking with people very close to Lechler, he was only willing to consider going back to the Raiders for a four-year deal at $16 million and a guarantee of $10 million. Well, he got his $16 million and but will “only” received $9 million guaranteed. Not bad, considering the next highest-paid punter was making $1.75 million per year on a five-year deal. So doubling the highest plus a little more was nice work by Tom Condon, Lechler’s agent.

Both players are the best at their positions, and both are the two best players on the Raiders. So keeping them was important, and since the owner did the deals, fiscal responsibility does not seem to matter since it’s his money. Now, if you’re a Raiders fan, you have to hope there’s some money left for improvements to the team. But that seems very unlikely now. With a top-10 pick to pay for, the Raiders will have to make massive cuts to become players in free agency, and the talk here is that they will not get involved in the market. It might make the tension a little high when the owners meet in March, but as for him spending his own money, that’s his call. But once again, he has raised the market and will make other players richer with these deals. The players’ association is quite happy he is doing them.

Both contracts have stunned team executives and agents gathered for the Combine in Indy. These deals have made the beginning of free agency even more interesting, and the one thing we learned is that the NFL and the Raiders don’t need any help from President Obama’s stimulus package.

 

[One]

Wilson, Edwards, Curry. Gone.

02/20/2009 SS Gibril Wilson - Released

02/20/2009 DE Kalimba Edwards - Released

02/20/2009 WR Ronald Curry - Released

02/19/2009 CB Nnamdi Asomugha - Re-Signed

02/18/2009 P Shane Lechler - Re-Signed

02/10/2009 QB Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) - Claimed off of waivers from CLE

 

[CalBear]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

 

[One]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

Since a player can only be tagged three times in a row, the Raiders could only Tag him for one more season. After that he could walk.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

Since a player can only be tagged three times in a row, the Raiders could only Tag him for one more season. After that he could walk.

... and it keeps the tag available if they want to use it on someone else in the next couple years.

 

[One]

Wilson, Edwards, Curry. Gone.

02/20/2009 SS Gibril Wilson - Released

02/20/2009 DE Kalimba Edwards - Released

02/20/2009 WR Ronald Curry - Released

02/19/2009 CB Nnamdi Asomugha - Re-Signed

02/18/2009 P Shane Lechler - Re-Signed

02/10/2009 QB Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) - Claimed off of waivers from CLE

Cap CutsWilson - Clears 1.4M

Edwards - Clears 2.5M

Curry - Clears 2.3M

Breakdown: without counting Aso/Lechler/Johnson deals (since we don't know their exact Cap details.)

$8M (prior to new deals)

$6.2M (after new cuts)

$7.2M (after Harris cut ...bound to happen. Who knows.. maybe Walker gets waived too.)

21.4 Under Salary Cap ...& before subtracting the 3 new HUGE deals.



...take this with a grain of salt

 

[CalBear]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

Since a player can only be tagged three times in a row, the Raiders could only Tag him for one more season. After that he could walk.

In other words...it's just like the contract.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Am I the only whose a bit surprised we released Wilson??? Man, what a wasted FA year that was....Hall, Wilson, Harris & Walker.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

Hopefully continued stellar play from Aso for the next 2 to 3 years and then the whole thing starts over again.

 

[Chadstroma]

Am I the only whose a bit surprised we released Wilson??? Man, what a wasted FA year that was....Hall, Wilson, Harris & Walker.

I certainly am very surprised. The games I saw, Wilson was a bright spot for us. Why are guys like, Kwame Harris and Javon Walker still on the roster and we cut Wilson?! These guys were worth less than Wilson and cost more in roster bonus! I don't get it.

 

[CalBear]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

Hopefully continued stellar play from Aso for the next 2 to 3 years and then the whole thing starts over again.

They could have tagged him twice more; they didn't need to sign a short-term contract to guarantee his tag value.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Am I the only whose a bit surprised we released Wilson??? Man, what a wasted FA year that was....Hall, Wilson, Harris & Walker.

I certainly am very surprised. The games I saw, Wilson was a bright spot for us. Why are guys like, Kwame Harris and Javon Walker still on the roster and we cut Wilson?! These guys were worth less than Wilson and cost more in roster bonus! I don't get it.

#### me. 1 step forward... who plays safety now?

 

[One]

Am I the only whose a bit surprised we released Wilson??? Man, what a wasted FA year that was....Hall, Wilson, Harris & Walker.

I certainly am very surprised. The games I saw, Wilson was a bright spot for us. Why are guys like, Kwame Harris and Javon Walker still on the roster and we cut Wilson?! These guys were worth less than Wilson and cost more in roster bonus! I don't get it.

#### me. 1 step forward... who plays safety now?

Tyvon Branch?

 

[Chadstroma]

Really, looking at it the Asomugha deal looks like a poor negotiation by the Raiders. They basically committed to pay him what they would by tagging him this year and next year---so why didn't they just tag him? It's not like they have anyone else to use the tag on. And the deal includes a clause that they won't use the tag on him later. What do the Raiders get out of the deal?

Hopefully continued stellar play from Aso for the next 2 to 3 years and then the whole thing starts over again.

They could have tagged him twice more; they didn't need to sign a short-term contract to guarantee his tag value.

And absolutely ensure that he walks afterwards.... I think this deal buys a ton of goodwill for future negoitations with him.

 

[Cookiemonster]

And it keeps the tag free for, say... Burgess? When do T.Howard or Morrison's contracts end?

 

[Chadstroma]

And it keeps the tag free for, say... Burgess? When do T.Howard or Morrison's contracts end?

Is Burgess is free next year and I am not sure aout Howard or Morrison but I am pretty sure they are still under contract as well.

 

[Cookiemonster]

And it keeps the tag free for, say... Burgess? When do T.Howard or Morrison's contracts end?

Is Burgess is free next year and I am not sure aout Howard or Morrison but I am pretty sure they are still under contract as well.

All 3 are potential FA after '09. Morrison may be a RFA, but I'm not positive. Howard needs to be resigned/extended ASAP. Burgess will likely be tagged next year if he doesn't spend '09 on I.R.

 

[kaso]

I had to read that post twice... Sure Wilson wasn't a pro-bowler, but I thought he did enough to keep his job. Added with the earlier rumors of Huff being released and I would have never guessed he was at risk.

 

[S.K.A.]

Gibril Wilson played great last season. I was really surprised they released him. He'll make a nice addition to another team. Great run-stopper.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

I get the eerie feeling that we'll be facing him at least twice a year for the coming couple of years...

 

[msommer]

As has been said before, shock that Walker is still on the roster. Shock that Wilson is not.

 

[One]

As has been said before, shock that Walker is still on the roster. Shock that Wilson is not.

I totally agree. Walker should be the first person cut, but we owe him too much in bonus money so it's cheaper on the cap to keep him.

 

[Col. Mustard]

No way you can cut Walker. the cap hit is too much. Hall, Walker, Wilson. We nailed it.

 

[Chadstroma]

I get the eerie feeling that we'll be facing him at least twice a year for the coming couple of years...

I am still very unhappy about this. At the same time.... our salary cap position is not the greatest. I still can not believe we gave that much money to Kelly and Walker.

 

[No. 16]

I get the eerie feeling that we'll be facing him at least twice a year for the coming couple of years...

I am still very unhappy about this. At the same time.... our salary cap position is not the greatest. I still can not believe we gave that much money to Kelly and Walker.

I still can't believe Al Davis CONVINCED Walker to not retire.

 

[kaso]

Does anybody know how much the cap hit would be for Walker, and what it was for Wilson? Without knowing the numbers I have to say I think I would have been happier with keeping Wilson and taking the cap hit for Walker over keeping Walker and taking the cap hit for Wilson.

 

[Chadstroma]

I get the eerie feeling that we'll be facing him at least twice a year for the coming couple of years...

I am still very unhappy about this. At the same time.... our salary cap position is not the greatest. I still can not believe we gave that much money to Kelly and Walker.

I still can't believe Al Davis CONVINCED Walker to not retire.

It is just insane when you think that Walker offered to give the money back. When a guy has questionable knees to begin with and then signals in every way possible that his heart is not in getting back.... why do you talk him out of it?!

 

[One]

Does anybody know how much the cap hit would be for Walker, and what it was for Wilson? Without knowing the numbers I have to say I think I would have been happier with keeping Wilson and taking the cap hit for Walker over keeping Walker and taking the cap hit for Wilson.

Cutting Wilson saves us 2.3 MILCutting Walker:

WALKER’S DEAD MONEY WOULD BE LESS THAN $10 MILLION

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2009, 8:31 p.m. EST

We’ve gotten a look-see at Javon Walker’s contract, and it appears that, if the Raiders cut him instead of paying out a $5 million roster bonus, the balance of his $11 million signing bonus would hit the cap.

The bonus was prorated over six years, at a rate of $1,833,333 per year. So, with five years of proration remaining, cutting Walker would result in the Raiders carry five years of proration, or $9.166 million.

And since the Raiders already will carry $1,833,333 in bonus proration regarding of whether Walker is or isn’t on the roster, the acceleration is only (only?) $7,333,333.

So without Walker, the Raiders will carry $9.166 million under his name. With him, they’ll account for $10,833,333 in his name — and spend $9 million in new cash.

Here’s another key difference. If they cut him, they’ll clear him off the books, and not have to worry about the remaning $7,333,333 in future proration, in the event a new CBA is negotiated before the uncapped year.

So our guess is that, unless he greatly reduces his roster bonus and/or his salary, the Raiders will be moving on — and Walker will have received $12 million for one very mediocre season.

 

[Chadstroma]

Does anybody know how much the cap hit would be for Walker, and what it was for Wilson? Without knowing the numbers I have to say I think I would have been happier with keeping Wilson and taking the cap hit for Walker over keeping Walker and taking the cap hit for Wilson.

Cutting Wilson saves us 2.3 MILCutting Walker:

WALKER’S DEAD MONEY WOULD BE LESS THAN $10 MILLION

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2009, 8:31 p.m. EST

We’ve gotten a look-see at Javon Walker’s contract, and it appears that, if the Raiders cut him instead of paying out a $5 million roster bonus, the balance of his $11 million signing bonus would hit the cap.

The bonus was prorated over six years, at a rate of $1,833,333 per year. So, with five years of proration remaining, cutting Walker would result in the Raiders carry five years of proration, or $9.166 million.

And since the Raiders already will carry $1,833,333 in bonus proration regarding of whether Walker is or isn’t on the roster, the acceleration is only (only?) $7,333,333.

So without Walker, the Raiders will carry $9.166 million under his name. With him, they’ll account for $10,833,333 in his name — and spend $9 million in new cash.

Here’s another key difference. If they cut him, they’ll clear him off the books, and not have to worry about the remaning $7,333,333 in future proration, in the event a new CBA is negotiated before the uncapped year.

So our guess is that, unless he greatly reduces his roster bonus and/or his salary, the Raiders will be moving on — and Walker will have received $12 million for one very mediocre season.

One very mediocre season is generous.

 

[One]

Does anybody know how much the cap hit would be for Walker, and what it was for Wilson? Without knowing the numbers I have to say I think I would have been happier with keeping Wilson and taking the cap hit for Walker over keeping Walker and taking the cap hit for Wilson.

Cutting Wilson saves us 2.3 MILCutting Walker:

WALKER’S DEAD MONEY WOULD BE LESS THAN $10 MILLION

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2009, 8:31 p.m. EST

We’ve gotten a look-see at Javon Walker’s contract, and it appears that, if the Raiders cut him instead of paying out a $5 million roster bonus, the balance of his $11 million signing bonus would hit the cap.

The bonus was prorated over six years, at a rate of $1,833,333 per year. So, with five years of proration remaining, cutting Walker would result in the Raiders carry five years of proration, or $9.166 million.

And since the Raiders already will carry $1,833,333 in bonus proration regarding of whether Walker is or isn’t on the roster, the acceleration is only (only?) $7,333,333.

So without Walker, the Raiders will carry $9.166 million under his name. With him, they’ll account for $10,833,333 in his name — and spend $9 million in new cash.

Here’s another key difference. If they cut him, they’ll clear him off the books, and not have to worry about the remaning $7,333,333 in future proration, in the event a new CBA is negotiated before the uncapped year.

So our guess is that, unless he greatly reduces his roster bonus and/or his salary, the Raiders will be moving on — and Walker will have received $12 million for one very mediocre season.

One very mediocre season is generous.

Useless is the correct term.

 

[One]

Way to go Kelly.. is Walker next?

Per RotoWorld:

Raiders DT Tommy Kelly will stay with the team in 2009 after converting a $4.5 million roster bonus into a "signing bonus" to reduce his cap number.

Kelly produced 4.5 sacks and 56 tackles in 2008. While those numbers aren't overwhelming, Kelly was coming off a torn ACL and should do better in 2009.