Offseason Analysis: Oakland Raiders

Things sure have changed for the Raiders. Instead of being the team that everyone loves to hate, they are the team that everyone loves to hate on. They actually showed a little something at the end of the year, winning their last two games, including the game that eliminated Tampa Bay and sent Jon Gruden packing.

JaMarcus Russell played decent considering the lack of weapons. Darren McFadden disappointed as a rookie, but I expect him to make big strides in his second year. Justin Fargas had a solid year, but I expect him to yield carries to Run DMC. Michael Bush will likely be kept in the mix just because McFadden and Fargas are injury risks and his contract is minimal.

Besides a decent run game, the Raiders have one of the best young tight ends in Zach Miller. Unfortunately for Miller, he doesn’t get much help. Johnnie Lee Higgins is a solid return man and can stretch the field, but he’s not going to command a lot of attention.  Chaz Schilens showed some potential.

Javon Walker will be back with the club because it will be difficult to release him because of the terms in his contract. Ashley Lelie won’t be back. Ronald Curry probably has a 50/50 chance of being back.

After the Walker debacle, don’t look for the Raiders to add a big-time WR this offseason. They have some free agents on their O-line (C Jake Grove and G Cooper Carlisle).

On defense, the Raiders took care of one cornerback spot by signing Chris Johnson to a multi-year deal. They will likely slap the franchise tag on shutdown CB Nnamdi Asomugha.

Ricky Brown is a restricted free agent and Rashad Baker is an unrestricted free agent, but I expect them both to come to terms with the Raiders. There is a good chance S Michael Huff gets his walking papers.

KFFL Free Agent Tracker

Pos	Player Name	FA Status	Previous Team	Current Team
QB	Marques Tuiasosopo	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
WR	Drew Carter	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
WR	Ashley Lelie	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
WR	Johnnie Morant	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
TE	Tony Stewart	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
TE	Ben Troupe	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
P	Shane Lechler	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
OG	Cooper Carlisle	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
C	Jake Grove	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
OL	Chris Morris	RFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
DL	William Joseph	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
LB	Jon Alston	RFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
LB	Ricky Brown	RFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
LB	Isaiah Ekejiuba	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
LB	Sam Williams	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
CB	Nnamdi Asomugha	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
CB	Chris X. Johnson	Re-signed	Oakland Raiders	Oakland Raiders
CB	Justin Miller	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
CB	Duane Starks	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent
FS	Rashad Baker	UFA	Oakland Raiders	Free Agent