Jon Gruden was the Raiders head coach in the late 1990s when he pushed for the signing of veteran quarterback Rich Gannon. That stands as the franchise’s best free-agent signing, though a player signed by ousted general manager Reggie McKenzie is given Gannon a run for the title. In 2015, McKenzie was faced with the
Oft-criticized Reggie McKenzie deserves huge props for one of best free-agent signings in Raiders history
RMs one great signing. Credit given.
Hudson has been terrific. I believe he’d be more heralded if Raiders were winning more frequently or in a bigger market.
Gannnon was a great FA signing but greatest free agency signing in Raiders history was:
Jim Plunkett
He joined the Raiders as a free agent in 1978. By the end of the 1983 season, he owned two Super Bowl Rings and was MVP of Super Bowl XV.
Doesn’t get much better than that.
Yes, Jim Plunkett has a strong case for the top spot, though Gannon was a more-dominant player during his Raiders career. Consider this one stat: During Gannon’s three seasons with Gruden as his coach, the Raiders never lost a game by more than nine points. Let that one sink in.
Do I smell a top-10 list of the Raiders’ best free-agent signings coming soon? I can pull that off, if there’s enough interest. Whaddya say, folks?
Suggestions?
We also can do a top-10 worst free-agent signings.
Very nice post Cork. We have a future HOF player here. This man at his position is far and away better than anyone else.
The Center of the O line is so damm important. This should be the year that RH gets to see deep into the Playoffs.
Thanks, Ben. Yeah, it’s a shame that Hudson doesn’t get more props nationwide. Playing in four prime-time games just might change that oversight, eh. Hudson is a huge, huge luxury for the Raiders. He can’t be paid enough for what he means to that team.
The best player on the Raiders since Mack was traded. Hudson really helped Carr early in his career. I remember Carr coming up to the line of scrimmage in his second year (I think it was a home game), he was trying to make his calls and he leaned over Hudson and said something like “What?” Hudson had apparently helped him read the LOS or the defense in its entirety.
Hudson would get more recognition if the team won games, sad, but true.
Cork, would love a Best/Worst FA signings article. Also, how about bringing back the point/counterpoint you used to do with Bill?