Raiders Rumors: New Front Office Smart to Start over with Roster Overhaul

Oakland Raiders new General Manager Reggie McKenzie is trying to build a roster from scratch, even though the team finished with a .500 record last season.

After cutting another defensive tackle John Henderson, the team also let go of guard Cooper Carlisle. Carlisle was a veteran and a long-time starter for this team and it signifies that no one on the roster is safe. 

That is a good message for a team that has suffered through character issues for a long time. 

Earlier in the offseason the Raiders released talented cornerback Stanford Routt, a move that surprised many. In addition, the team has parted ways with cornerback Chris Johnson and tight end Kevin Boss. 

These types of move would indicate that Oakland is clearing space to make a big splash in free agency, but to this point the Raiders have been silent.

One potential player the team is looking at is former Houston Texans guard Mike Brisiel, a potential replacement for Carlisle. Unfortunately, this is not the high-impact player that fans will get excited for.

The good news is that Oakland is not too far away from success on the field. At 8-8, the team was tied for first-place in the AFC West, but missed out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers.

With a new coach in Dennis Allen, the team should be able to curb the discipline issues that doomed the 2011 team. He should also be able to bring in players that will quickly buy into the new system.

The core of a good team is there, now the pieces just need to fall into place.