Raiders coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders added more elite speed in RB Darren McFadden... he will take the lead role and Fargas will move to the compliment role. McFadden has some character issues but in Oakland he look like a Boy Scout. McFadden will energize the off season and JaMarcus Russell is certainly smiling. I think Jerry Jones just shed a tear http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The NFL draft is a crapshoot and the 2008 version appears to be a little more than usual. No true #1 pick, some safer picks, some with more upside.... then there is the one constant, the danger of drafting a wide receiver in round one. Rookie receivers usually do not make a big impact, junior wide receivers may be flashy choices but are even more dangerous. This year the name moving up the charts is Devin Thomas... who? He is from Michigan State and a one year wonder. Let's see a junior with only one year of production, runs fast and has good size.. shoot him up the board.... danger! What about a couple receivers who were consider near the top - Mario Manningham and Malcolm Kelly - both juniors and both falling down the boards. Neither ran a quality 40 time, but they have excuses. Those are part of the problem. Manningham lied about failing drug tests in college, then admitted to it and then sounded like an idiot on a national radio show. He clearly doesn't get it, but it appears NFL GM's do and there is little chance he goes in round one now. Kelly didn't run well and blamed his school for changing the surface he was to run on.... you see he had special shoes and everything. Ok this shoe thing is true of everyone now a days (ugh) but to come out and bash the school was an immature and dumb move on his part. Why do people get so caught up on a 40 time of someone on a track with special shoes when they have been preparing to run this drill for months. Are they ever asked to run the 40 without pads and in tracks shoes during a game? Jerry Rice ran a 4.55 40 coming out of college but didn't look that slow when the speedy Redskins corner Darrell Green was chasing him... who really cares. I understand it has some value but it is far too overrated. How many times do receivers run in the 4.3s and then you hear people say that team needs receivers you can stretch the field and their current group isn't getting it done. The 40 speed doesn't make them a deep threat. Even better there have been top track guys playing receiver in the NFL and referred to as more of a possession guy... not saying the assessment was wrong but pointing out they were track stars just a couple years ago... NFL speed is different than track speed. Being fast at one doesn't make you fast at the other, get it? There are plenty of teams needing a receiver and some will reach for one, more will regret than will rejoice and fans will be excited in April and forget their names in October... such is life in the NFL in April http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders have signed CB Duane Starks to add some depth... well sort of as he hasn't played much in recent years, but it's another warm body for the time being http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders will have a new starting center next year after signing former Bucs center John Wade Monday. Wade was on the short end in Tampa after they overpaid for Jeff Faine earlier in free agency. Jake Grove will push Wade for the job http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders are at it again spending big bucks. According to ESPN Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall has agreed to a contract with Oakland that will complete the trade for a second round pick, and possibly another later round pick. The deal is reported to be worth $70 million over 7 years. You have to consider this a high risk high reward. He is a good corner, but doesn't know how to shut his mouth and if things don't go well in Oakland he could get unhappy and loud quickly... remember Moss, Porter, Sapp, Woodson... need we continue? This could seem to make it near impossible to complete a long term deal with their other corner Nnamdi Asomugha, who is franchised... but this is Oakland who cares about money. Though you'd have to say Asomugha just found the contract terms he is looking for http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders don't appear to be done spending money. According to ESPN they have agreed to send a 2nd round. pick to the Falcons for Hall if they can work out a new contract. But the arrogant little jerk can't seem to keep his much shut telling the Atlanta Journal Constitution "no team is going to sign me without talking to me and getting everything right on my end". Yes you fool no team will trade for a player until discussing the contract parameters, but this loudmouth fool thinks people care what he thinks and if he knew much he would shut up and let the Raiders overpay for him as they have for others all off season. An interesting side note is if they give the overrated corner a deal like Asante Samuel's it will make the one year tender to Nnamdi Asomugha even more expensive as he is an exclusive franchise player meaning his tender is of the top 5 corners salaries THIS year... interesting move. There are rumblings they would take the tag off him if this deal goes through. What a colossal mistake that would be, much better off paying Asomugha and keep the 2nd round pick! Some have said Asomugha should sign quickly as the big money has dried up in free agency... dumb. The big money deals dried up because there is no one left worth anything close to one. However teams have a ton of cap room left and Asomugha would see a monster deal if he all of a sudden got free of the Raiders, and that alone would be worth millions to leave such a troubled franchise http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders have signed former Giants first round bust William Joseph http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders have signed former Panthers WR Drew Carter http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net According to ESPN former Broncos WR Javon Walker has agreed to a 6 year $55 million (insane) contract with $16 million guaranteed and $27 due in the first 3 years. In case those numbers sound familiar, Randy Moss just signed a 3 year $27 million deal with $15 million guaranteed. Walker is coming off a year where injuries held him to 26 catches for 287 yards. Just a bad year you say? That may be as he had over 1,000 yards in 2006 with 69 catches but the previous year injury cost him the year and he finished with just 4 catches. Walker's knees are a concern and while he was once viewed as a blazing #1 receiver, that isn't the case right now and he is in no way worth this kind of money, which further goes to show the Raiders have definitely lost their minds and Raiders fans should be more nervous than ever as to what the future holds http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Carolina Panthers have signed former Raiders DE Tyler Brayton to a 2 year contract, where he will add some depth to a line in transition http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Former 49ers tackle Kwame Harris has agreed to a 3 year $14 million deal that could be worth more than $16 million. Harris is a former first round pick that barely played from scrimmage last year after losing his starting job at right tackle and still comes away with $5 million per in free agency... http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Vikings put in some overtime to get Bears WR Bernard Berrian signed, but they got a 6 year deal done finally. The Vikings other top target was Justin Smith who the 49ers didn't let get on a play for a visit and signed him, so the Vikings were not about to let Berrian get on a plane for Oakland who has been throwing around huge cash. The move brings them an upgrade but Berrian must to a better job catching the ball than he did last year. No word on the dollar amount yet, but it will be a lot, and too much http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Dolphins have been active in remaking their roster signing Texans LB Charlie Anderson to a 3 year contract, Raiders QB Josh McCown to a 2 year deal, Titans DT Randy Starks to a 5 year deal and Giants LB Torbor to a four-year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Eagles have added another edge rusher for Jim Johnson's defense signing former Raiders DE Chris Clemons to a 5 year deal. Clemons should be an excellent fit in this defense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Bears WR Bernard Berrian visited with the Vikings Friday but didn't reach an agreement (probably because he isn't worth what he wants) and is scheduled to go to Oakland today, where the Raiders seem comfortable paying much more tan someone is worth. If Tommy Kelley gets $50 million and Gibril Wilson almost $40, Berrian may just love Oakland http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders were dysfunctional before, now we will just call them nuts. First they gave Tommy Kelly over $50 million (was there any competition?). Now they have signed former Giants safety Gibril Wilson to a 6 year $39 million deal with $16 million guaranteed, making him the third highest paid safety in the league! Don't get us wrong Wilson is a good safety and will fit well with the Raiders but this is way too much. Maybe it's just that they have to over pay to get people to come here knowing the head coach even now isn't off the chopping block for the upcoming year. The last time the Raiders got infatuated by a free agent coming off a Super Bowl (Cowboys Larry Brown) how did that work out when they overpaid for him? Granted he was the Super Bowl MVP http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Jaguars continue to add receivers, the biggest questions is if they are getting better? The Troy Williams trade with the Vikings is done for a 6th rounder, and former Raiders WR Jerry Porter is signed now as well. He got 6 years and $30 million. For all his talent he has had more than a few issues in recent years in Oakland, will he turn out to be a quiet productive player now? The Jags receivers are like the Broncos defensive line, every year it's something but never better http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders are looking across the Bay at former 49ers tackle Kwame Harris. Like Langston Walker last year who got big bucks, this year the Raiders are on the other end. Harris barely played last year after losing his starting job and now stands to cash in anyways. Harris went to Stanford and would like to stay in the area, the Raiders would be a good fit... he must love the contract they gave Tommy Kelly, as long as they have some left for him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Dolphins are not done on day one as they have former Raiders QB Josh McCown and OLB Calvin Pace coming in for a visit. Pace is the top option at rush linebacker for 3-4 teams and the Dolphins have the money to spend, now the question is if he is worth it. Pace was a first round bust before the Cardinals switched to a 3-4 defense last year and an injury gave him a chance to start and shine http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders got an early start to the exaggerated contracts of free agency signing one of their own, DT Tommy Kelly to a monster deal. According to ESPN he will sign a 7 year $50.5 million contract, the most for a defensive tackle ever! Over $18 million guaranteed and over $25 million in the first three years. Quick what percent of NFL fans could have named him as a starter for the Raiders, now the highest paid tackle... love free agency. Kelly played end last year and will switch inside to tackle this year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Bears last offer to about to be free agent WR Bernard Berrian was 5 years and $25 million with $8 guaranteed according to the Sun Times. Could have told them that won't get it done. He won't sign for under $6 million per year (pushing $7) and over $10 million guaranteed. Deion Branch got 6 years and $39 million with $23 million in the first three years last year... there is the target http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders will be looking to add some speed to the perimeter in free agency. The two receivers to watch are Bernard Berrian and Bryant Johnson. Jerry Porter will leave in free agency (been a long time coming) and more help will come in the draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Finally a big win for the Atlanta Falcons. It was only a coin toss but they get the #3 pick in the draft this year, followed by the Oakland Raiders at #4 and the Kansas City Chiefs at #5 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have placed the franchise tag on CB Nnamdi Asomugha http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders have resigned RB Justin Fargas who was headed for free agency in a couple weeks. The former backup burst out this year and finished with over 1,000 yards despite starting as a backup and missing the last two games. The signing ends the chance they will draft Darren McFadden in April. With plenty of other needs and Michael Bush ready to help with the workload at tailback this seems like a good move for the Raiders. That means they will likely focus on the defensive line with either Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis or possibly a familiar name of Chris Long http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Can this get any worse in Oakland? According to ESPN and Chris Mortensen Raiders owner Al Davis sent a letter to head coach Lane Kiffin asking him to resign! Kiffin refused and is coaching the North squad at the senior bowl this week with the rest of the Raiders staff... at least for now. If this is true then it's getting pathetic in Oakland and Al Davis needs to sell the team. The coaching carousel can't keep going like this... and if Davis were to fire Kiffin, who would actually want the job? Davis isn't going to pay top dollar and a young coach is going to see what happened before. Plus it's getting a little late to be just starting this process and having to hire assistants. We probably shouldn't be surprised but all we can say is wow http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net All the rumors and in the end defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will be staying with the Bucs... not joining his son in Oakland or heading to Atlanta. He has agreed to a contract extension with the Bucs http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Memo to you kids out there.. learn from history. Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin watched a win get taken from him last week when the Broncos called timeout just before the Raiders kicked what would have been a game winner, then after the timeout the kick was missed. This week the Browns had a chance to win the game at the last second, but Kiffin called a timeout and of course Phil Dawson made it... on the "real" try.... it was blocked and the Raiders pulled out a 26-24 win. Congrats to Kiffin for learning from last week and getting his first win as a head coach http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders win, the Raiders win... wait the Broncos win, the Broncos win! Who says don't call that timeout to freeze the kicker? In OT Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan called a last second timeout as the Raiders snapped the ball for a 52 yard try to win the game. The kick went through the uprights and the Raiders thought they had beaten their hated rivals, but the timeout came first and on the next try Sebastian Janikowski hit the upright and missed giving the Broncos a second life they didn't waste and Jason Elam booted a 23 yards to win the game 23-20. Raiders RB LaMont Jordan looked good running for 159 yards on 25 carries http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net It was a short time as starter for Raiders QB Josh McCown, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network he will miss 3-4 weeks with a slight crack of his index finger. So next up is Dauntee Culpepper. McCown played well in his one start and now Culpepper will try and seal his place while he is out http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders have finally signed #1 overall pick QB JaMarcus Russell to a six year deal. Reports vary on the value but guaranteed amount is around $31 to $32 million, down from the $35 demands we had heard before. The total value is in the $60+ million range but what difference does that make, way too much money and too many incentives tied to them anyway. Oh how we'd love to see the NBA's rookie salary here... how crazy is it he just signed a contract worth almost as much per year and guaranteed as Peyton Manning and now will sit on the bench the rest of the year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders lost the opener to the Lions 36-21, but despite the score what we found interesting between the two worst teams of 2006 is the passing performances, 313 yards by Josh McCown was the best on the weekend, and Lions Jon Kitna's 289 yards was 4th. On the receiving end of those yards Raiders Ronald Curry had a great day with 10 catches for 133 yards and a TD. Lions rookie WR Calvin Johnson had a solid start with 4 catches for 70 yards and a TD in a non-starting role. Lions fans shouldn't get too carried away but the Raiders defense was solid last year and for those Raiders if that defense can tighten up like last year they may have some offense to go with it now http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net So Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin says he knows who will start at QB this week for the team, but he won't announce it. Yet everyone is reporting it will be Josh McCown, so unless Kiffin pulls the rug out the secret is out. This while family rumors have #1 pick JaMarcus Russell close to signing and sitting on the sidelines while counting is millions. How tough it must be to hold a clipboard for that kind of cash http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net What a fall from grace for former Georgia DE Quentin Moses. Coming into his senior year there was talk of him as a high first round pick, but following a bad senior year he fell to the third round where the Raiders grabbed him. However that third round status didn't save him on cut down day as the Raiders let him go. Certain to get another chance but it is a hard fall http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net No announcement from the Raiders yet but they might have their QB. No not that draft, but a starter in Daunte Culpepper, who while maybe not 100% yet from his knee injury, seems like the choice to start the season. Culpepper looked good against the Rams this week, though they are not known as a stout defense the Raiders offense last year was much worse http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net It a bizarre move the Broncos and Raiders completed a trade. You think Mike Shanahan buried the hatchet or just thinks that little of the current Raiders? Ya that's what we think too. DT Gerard Warren who has been on the block for a while now will head to Oakland for an undisclosed draft pick next year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders were hopeful when Brady Quinn got his deal done. JaMarcus Russell's former college teammate Dwayne Bowe signed with the Chiefs as well but no movement in the talks with the #1 overall pick. This is why you have to get this contract done before the draft begins. The 49ers risked it a couple years ago and survived but the Raiders may be in for a long wait http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders lost another tight end as Fred Wakefield suffered what appears to be a serious knee injury according to the San Jose Mercury News. They had depth initially but it is getting thin quickly http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net According to the NFL Network Lions WR Calvin Johnson got a 6 year $55.5 million deal with $27.2 million guaranteed. Now will this help the Raiders and JaMarcus Russell get something done http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders can't sign JaMarcus Russell but signed the previous version, Daunte Culpepper to a one year deal Tuesday. Culpepper could be the starter this year is his knee is ready and he picks up the offense quickly http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Free agent QB Daunte Culpepper will work out for the Raiders on Tuesday according to ESPN. The Raiders still haven't signed #1 pick JaMarcus Russell and this visit surely is to put a little pressure on him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders signed second round pick TE Zach Miller and now are just waiting on top pick JaMarcus Russell who is waiting to see the $30 million guaranteed next to his name. We are all for getting what you can and many comments were made about Marc Bulger's new deal, but look what he has accomplished in this league... Russell is going to get $30 million or very close to it and hasn't stepped onto the field yet and won't be the opening day starter. Something is very seriously wrong with this system http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net It didn't take long into training camp for Rams QB Marc Bulger to get his new deal, Friday morning agreeing to a 6 year $65 million contract with $27 million guaranteed according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The move settles something that would have hung over the team in camp and now they can focus on the field. An interesting note how contracts are going up, $27 million guaranteed is going to be a standard QB starting point, after all JaMarcus Russell hasn't agreed yet but he will get more than $27, last year Mario Williams got $26 million as the #1 pick... times are a changing. Just wait until the rookie deals are done and with the new cap numbers and contracts given out there are going to be a number of veterans wanting to redo their deals http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders released TE Courtney Anderson and signed DE Bill Swancutt who was released by the Lions this week http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have released Jarrod Cooper and Darnell Bing according to the San Jose Mercury News. Cooper was just suspended for 4 games by the NFL for a substance abuse violation. Bing was their 4th round pick last year and even his coming from USC wasn't enough to save him with Lane Kiffin. The team also singed this year's 4th round pick RB Michael Bush who will take it slow this year with an eye towards 2008 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net With training camp ready to start the Raiders will have a fresh look... literally with another young head coach Lane Kiffin looks to do as Jon Gruden did when he was the youngest head coach. Maybe minus the hours and facial expressions. They definitely need a fresh start after the disaster that was called a season last year. Now what does that mean for this year? Well it could be impossible to be worse, but don't expect any miracles yet http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Raiders QB Andrew Walter had surgery on his knee and will miss 4-6 weeks according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Walter was atop the depth chart at the beginning of the off season and had some supporters within the team, but since fell back to #3 and now and injury won't help him either http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The NFL Network is reporting if Randy Moss passes a physical he will be traded to the New England Patriots who will have added their 4th new wide receiver this off season. The Patriots will send a 4th round pick to Oakland http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Detroit Lions have traded QB Josh McCown and WR Mike Williams to the Raiders for a 4th round pick, number 105 overall according to the Detroit Free Press. Williams reunites with Lane Kiffin who knows him from USC and hopes he can get something from him and McCown gives them another veteran to help JaMarcus Russell http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders needed a tight end and in Zach Miller they got a solid one in the second round. If he were a little faster he would have been in the first round. A good receiver and solid blocker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals traded up in round two with the Raiders to draft DT Alan Branch. The Cardinals are a big physical team and want to play a bit of the 3-4 on defense and in Alan Branch they got a player who can play in either front. Branch can play the nose in the 3-4 for them and give the physical presence they want. They swapped second round picks and threw in a 4th to get this pick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders took their time and held their cards close to the vest but they made the right choice and selected QB JaMarcus Russell first overall in the NFL Draft to lead the team into the future http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net According to the NFL Network Randy Moss has refused to redo his contract for the Raiders but he would be willing to restructure his deal after a trade to the Patriots http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The rumor mill is picking back up for Randy Moss now too. The Raiders want to move the receiver despite their comments to the contrary and the Packers and Patriots are being mentioned as they were before. Other teams may get in before it is all said and done but it looks like he may have a new home by Monday http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Draft day is here and still no closer to who the Oakland Raiders will take. Russell, Quinn or Johnson... rumblings in New York have Quinn being the choice. a USA Today report that he was the only one they had contract talks with may have fueled much of that... Russell fits the mold Al Davis likes in his quarterbacks, but Quinn may better fit the choice Davis hired and Johnson is the best prospect in the draft. That said the Raiders desperately need a QB and have to take Russell or Quinn and despite the rumors the odds still favor Russell http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have signed former Broncos guard Cooper Carlisle. It's a good move for Oakland to bring in an experienced lineman in the zone blocking scheme they will employ this year. Carlisle is under 300 pounds as you would expect and bring the experience of being a starting in Denver and of course taking someone from the enemy help them too http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Detroit Lions QB Josh McCown wants to be traded according to the Detroit News. He didn't show for the first day of a voluntary mini camp Tuesday and told the team he wants out. The Raiders are reportedly interested in him which would allow them to draft WR Calvin Johnson #1 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have added some veteran depth signing CB Duane Starks and tackle Cornell Green to one year deals according to ESPN. Starks played in three games last year for the Raiders but ever since signing with the Cardinals in free agency in 2002 he has never been the player he was during his first four years in the league with the Ravens. Green is a solid backup but nothing more http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have signed CB/returner Chris Johnson http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson told the Green Bay Press Gazette that there have never been any discussions of a trade for Raiders WR Randy Moss that included Packers backup QB and former first round pick Aaron Rodgers. Thompson also told the paper he thinks Rodger's is a very talented guy... hmnn that's doesn't mean he will ever be a successful starting QB though. This always smelled like an internet caught by a brush fire. Rodgers hasn't done much to show he is a starter in the league and the Raiders don't need to be developing two quarterbacks at the same time. If they could bring in a veteran to lead the team and bypass a QB with the first overall pick in the draft that would be one thing, but that certainly isn't Rodgers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The rumors won't die about Randy Moss to Green Bay. Now the Boston Herald has joined in citing a source in Wisconsin that says the deal is close and will include QB Aaron Rodgers. Don't put too much in this report... it has been out there for a while and it may come true, but this specific report doesn't mean much to us. The Herald has been reposting others reports lately it seems than having their own 'sources' about a deal. The Boston Herald having great sources in Wisconsin is interesting as well. Rodgers clearly doesn't look like the future in Green Bay and the Raiders will still need more depth even if they take JaMarcus Russell and Rodgers would probably like to come back home after playing college at Cal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The weather is a bit warmer in Green Bay today, enough to discuss some Moss? GM Ted Thompson will speak with the Packers executive committee today including chairman of the board Bob Harlan and President John Jones and one topic of discussion will be Raiders WR Randy Moss according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Trade rumors have been floating about the Packers interest and this serves as some confirmation to that. Packers need a receiver and this trade may eventually happen but we'll go on record and say it would be a big mistake for the Packers. According to the report the Raiders are not interested in QB Aaron Rodgers but may be interested in defensive lineman Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila or Corey Williams http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have signed former Falcons FB Justin Griffith to 3 year $3.8 million deal according to the NFL Network. Griffith is an excellent fullback for the West Coast offense and will be familiar with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp who held the same title last year with the Falcons http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Keeping the quick run of signings at the running back spot the Raiders have agreed to 2 year $7.5 million deal with former Colts RB Dominic Rhodes according to the NFL Network. His arrest for DWI on the eve of free agency didn't help his cause but since when have the Raiders been too concerned with things like that? Rhodes and Lamont Jordan will team for for a solid backfield for new head coach Lane Kiffin. They still need to get some blocking, oh and someone to hand the ball off to them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly took a quick tour in free agency but decided to return home and signed a 3 year deal with the Bengals Tuesday http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have signed for 49ers center Jeremy Newberry to a one year $1.5 million deal. Newberry is a throwback player who may o may not make it on the field. He will play through just about any pain but hasn't been able to practice much in years. He is a solid gamer but most teams want to build cohesion practice and that may be hard for him. He is a good locker room guy and if healthy it was a great signing and keeps the Bay area native close to home http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Oakland Raiders RB LaMont Jordan decided to agree to restructure his contract to avoid being cut. He reduced his roster bonus due Wednesday from $4.75 million to $3 million according to John Clayton of ESPN. He was seeing fewer options on the open market and took the safe route, if staying with the Raiders can be considered safe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Don't buy into the Randy Moss trade rumors too much. Reports are everywhere on the internet of the Raiders close to trading him. The Jaguars had been mentioned but are out after signing Dennis Northcutt (not that he is a top starter, but they have enough warm bodies now), the Packers and Patriots are also being heavily mentioned. Everyone take a deep breath though. The Patriots just signed Wes Welker and as much as Brett Favre would like Randy Moss in Green Bay it isn't going to happen too soon if ever. Still scratching our heads over it but the Packers won't dismiss it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly has been traveling the last few days but that may be about to come to an end soon. He has visited the Raiders and Cardinals in the past few days and the Bengals are still in the mix as well. A decision should be coming soon http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Patriots have not yet signed Dolphins restricted free agent Wes Welker to the offer sheet that was widely reported over the weekend. He is visiting with the team today, but the reports of the offer may have been a bit premature, though still likely. Rumors are growing about the Patriots interest in Raiders WR Randy Moss as well. One problem there is Moss' contract has a nearly $10 million salary this year and most any team that would trade for him would need to renegotiate it, but given his history do team's want to sink a huge signing bonus in him without seeing a change first http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Oakland Raiders RB LaMont Jordan will likely be released today or tomorrow to save the team from paying his $4.75 million roster bonus on Wednesday. The Raiders have been looking at free agent running backs and will go in a new direction under the new coaching staff http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Raiders WR Ronald Curry has restructured his contract to save some cap space. The contract runs through 2008 and will lower his $6.54 million cap number according to the Contra Costa Times http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net It didn't take the Bucs long to get over Jake Plummer, agreeing to terms with former Eagles QB Jeff Garcia Saturday morning. He will compete with Chris Simms for the starting job http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders and QB Jeff Garcia are at a stalemate according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and Garcia will be exploring other options while the Raiders look around as well. Garcia has the Bucs, Texans and possibly Broncos interested as well. Though the Broncos will likely be looking for a less expensive option such as Brad Johnson with their money going other places in an active start to free agency. The Raiders have the first pick in the draft but no veteran QB to help the transition for JaMarcus Russell if projections are right. At this point it may be the Bucs that show that most interest and try to get a deal done quickly after losing out on Jake Plummer http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Now that the Jake Plummer deal is dead the Bucs are looking to Jeff Garcia who is in Oakland today. The Bucs will push hard but look for the Raiders to lock him up where he would work with Greg Knapp who also coached him when they were both with the 49ers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Buffalo Bills have signed former Redskins guard Derrick Dockery after signing Jason Whittle and former Raiders ORT Langston Walker earlier in the day. Dockery signing is a big one for the Bills and hurts the Redskins who will push that much harder now for Leonard Davis. The Cowboys are in the thick of it as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Raiders behemoth offensive lineman Langston Walker will visit Buffalo on Friday as the team looks to add some beef to the line. Walker has been a disappointment so far but has the size to be a dominant run blocker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders are the top choice at this point to land Eagles QB Jeff Garcia, who had his best days across the bay. The Raiders don't appear to be favoring the vertical passing game with their new coaches and Garcia would take them back to the West Coast offense days under Jon Gruden http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Raiders WR Jerry Porter is looking for a fresh start, but still in Oakland. He has changed his number from 84 to 81 and is looking forward to this year. According to new head coach Lane Kiffin he and Randy Moss are also on good terms and looking forward to the year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders will not pay QB Aaron Brooks his $5 million roster bonus which will make him a free agent an open the door for a new QB. All signs point towards JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick. He and the team as a whole had a year for the toilet, and Brooks clearly isn't the answer. This time around he will find much less in free agency http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Cowboys have hired Skip Peete as their new running backs coach. Peete had been with the Raiders for the last 8 years in the same position http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders got started on their roster resigning a couple of defenders. DT Terdell Sands and LB Robert Thomas will not become free agents next month. According to ESPN Sands received $17 million over 4 years with a $4 million signing bonus and Thomas got $6 million over 3 years and a $1.5 million signing bonus. Sands would have been the biggest free agent defensive tackle on the market. Maybe not the best but the biggest at 6'7 and a listed weight of 335 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Raiders have hired Tom Rathman as their new RB coach. Rathman spent most of his playing career across the Bay with the 49ers, but also spent a year with the Raiders. He spent 3 years coaching the Lions running backs and was out of the league last year. A great hard nosed player he is a solid addition to Lane Kiffin's staff http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have hired Tom Cable as their new offensive line coach. He comes from he Falcons where he coached with new coordinator Greg Knapp http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Oakland Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess will represent the team at the Pro Bowl http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have hired Darren Perry as their new secondary coach. He previously held the same spot with the Steelers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net Legendary Raiders wide receivers coach Fred Biletnikoff has decided retired after a great playing and coaching career. It's sad to see him go after such a bad year and one with a few issues at the position he coached with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter but that in no way tarnishes his great career http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers QB may be pushing for the Packers to trade for Raiders WR Randy Moss. We don't put much in this and can image Favre expression when Moss quit on a route that turned into an interception. Moss is talented of course and loves to get the ball deep but that could lead Favre to do more gun slinging and just fire the ball recklessly down field thinking Moss will get it. Favre certainly would be warranted in hoping for more weapons, and whoever the QB is this the Packers obviously need an upgrade we don't think it should or would be Moss. He doesn't fit the bill for the organization or Ted Thompson. A big target at TE would be of huge help as well. Daniel Graham of the Patriots is the top free agent but a name to watch is 49ers TE Eric Johnson. He wouldn't be as expensive but he is great at getting open in the middle of the field and has sure hands http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19 PFInsider.net According to the San Jose Mercury News the Raiders will not be keeping Tom Walsh, Jackie Slater, Lorenzo Ward and Robert Ford on the coaching staff. Presumably Walsh can now go back to managing hotels or McDonalds which hopefully for his sake he will be more successful at. Slater while a great lineman wasn't able to get much of the offensive line last year. Walsh was one of the worst hires we have seen in recent memory. Maybe with Al Davis in declining health he thought he was getting the other Walsh from the bay area http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=19