Fan Favorites Could Be On Their Way Out

Kirk Morrison and Justin Fargas have been Oakland Raiders for their entire NFL careers thus far.  Both guys play their hearts out every time they suit up in the Silver & Black.  Both guys have roots tied to the city of Oakland/Bay Area and both grew up rooting for the Raiders. 

Kirk Morrison has led the Raiders in tackles every season that he has started at MLB.  He was recently given an "original pick" tender as a restricted free agent.  That means that he can negotiate with other teams and if he signs an offer sheet, the Raiders can either match it or let him walk and receive the teams third round draft pick.  Considering the Raiders could have given him a second round tender for basically the same money, it is obvious that his services aren't a big priority for Al Davis.  The lifetime Raiders fan will likely be in another uniform next season.

Justin Fargas does everything you want from a football player.  He practices hard and plays even harder.  He takes the hand off and plows forward with no regard to his health let alone anybody elses.  He had a breakout season in '08, rushing for over 1000 yards despite watching LaMont Jordan carry the load for the first four games.  Although not as talented as Michael Bush or Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas gets the bulk of the carries because he simply outworks both of them during the week of practice.  He has had his injury concerns throughout his career but when healthy he is one of the hardest runners in the NFL.  It has been reported that the Raiders will release him in the near future to avoid paying his roster bonus due in the upcoming week. 

Fargas and Morrison will be missed by the Raider Nation faithful but if letting these guys go means upgrading the roster then I am all for it.  Bush and D-Mac can be an elite 1-2 punch in this league.  Morrison is a solid LB but he is playing out of position at MLB.  He's also a bit undersized to man the middle.  I am sure we'll find a solid, run-stuffing MLB in this years' NFL draft.