Now that teams are permitted to woo prospective free agents, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Jon Gruden have shifted out of neutral and into gear. OK, so they’re only in first gear, but at least they’re moving toward the resolution of a huge, lingering issue. Before today, the only move made by
Raiders cornerbacks situation heating up fast; Reggie McKenzie, Jon Gruden on the clock
For all the need, what would make me believe that RM is going to find quality starter(s) in FA? Between CB and QB, RM has been absolutely atrocious at both positions. The one to focus on now is CB.
I go back to saying that even if we get people in the door, no or poor signings. And we generally have to wait to get FAs in here. And when you are forced to wait its a sign that other teams want the same player and you may never get him in the door.
RM has proven to be a great cap manager, full credit to what he has done there. Not so much at consistently finding superior talent.
William Gay is supposed to be released by the steelers. I know he is older, but the dude stays on the field, would be a great backup and can help teach our younger guys. Worth a look.
thankaveteran – I think you and I are on the same page about McKenzie. This dude just keeps getting pass after pass for poor drafts and a mediocre roster. The problem is, we’re now out of money to even sniff a top-tier free agent! Yeah, we could bounce 3 guys to sign someone like Trumaine Johnson or whomever, but that only presents more problems. Reggie has had since 2012 to build this roster and look what we have……… a shit ton of 7th rounders and UDFA’s starting all over the place. We have ONE start-worthy CB and ONE start-worthy Safety…..maybe 2 if Obi is good, but I think he’s just a combine hero. Reggie has blown all his money on what? Why do we have such a mediocre roster and no money?!
Agreed.
The way things are going, we better get a lot better coaching and production from those we have, as it seems like our roster could look a lot like last seasons. Our O might be able to get better production because of Gruden. That is what I hope.
But our D needs at least 2 starting level CBs, one starting S, one starting MLB and one starting DT.
To go along with that Gruden should have final say in the draft room too, RM has shown what he can do, and I have to believe Gruden will do better.
IF Coach Jack had Not replaced Bill Musgrave & Continued to demonstrate Idiotic loyalty to Ken, “The Dump Truck” Norton, Jr. . . Chances are Substantial , all the personnel “Experts” wouldn’t even consider misplacing the blame , now. . Which is obviously, the current Craze.. . RELAX! We’re closer to *The Promised Land , then ya think. . Raider*Grandpa69 ?
Cork,
Do you have any recent info on Autry, Bowman and Carrie? Have they been offered contracts or no? Are they still talking contracts? Anything?
Thank you
The Raiders are going hardest after Denico Autry, but they aren’t going to get into a bidding war. Autry is in a position to test his market. The Raiders also want Carrie back, at the right price. They view him as a rotational cornerback and core special-teamer. If Carrie can get starter-type money, he probably will jump at that, and who could blame him.
How can the Raiders let Autry walk??? He’s one of the few productive young players on the roster. And WTF on Bowman??? And Carrie might not be a star, but he is at least a legit NFL player.
Perhaps they want too much money, but if you let them test the market and they get snapped up, who’s gonna replace them? Another team’s rejects?
And if another team DOESN’T snap them up right away, then most likely the player will be butt-hurt and potentially feel unappreciated and have attitude problems.
I’m just a fan, and I’m sure there are plenty of factors that I don’t know about, but common sense says that before you dump someone decent, you should have someone better lined up.
Let’s see if RM blows it again
Cork (or anyone, for that matter),
I agree that it’s hard to picture an easy upgrade at corner (within the cap budget), and that even a Hail Mary has to be thrown soon.
What’s your take on Malcolm Butler? Maybe I missed it, but I don’t remember any one comprehensive, believable explanation for him not playing in the Super Bowl? How has he performed since that one huge Super Bowl goal line play? Is he really a top tier guy?
The smartest guy since Al Davis in his prime didn’t play him in the Super Bowl and didn’t want to retain him at his pay rate. So … how does he make it into the conversation about a great sign? More to the point … at what point, salary-wise, is he a good buy, and what point isn’t he?
A person is supposed to go to an auction with the maximum amount he is willing to pay for something already firmly in his head and a line drawn in the sand before the auction starts. Where do you draw the line on Butler’s dollar value?
And, while you’re at it, if you have the time, what’s your salary limit on the other corners you mentioned? Obviously, how the contracts are crafted makes a huge difference vs the kind of numbers that get thrown around. But, whatever common denominator system you think is a good one, what’s your budget/value on these guys?
Thanks