A productive opening to free agency for the Oakland Raiders

Thoughts from the Dark Side

March 1, 2008

A productive opening to free agency for the Oakland Raiders

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The Oakland Raiders started the free agent signing period with a bang landing safety Gibril Wilson away from the world champion New York Giants. They also locked up their young defensive tackle Tommy Kelly with a long term deal and used the franchise tag to keep Nnamdi Asomugha. And from the addition by subtraction department, there is the departure of the underachieving chronic malcontent Jerry Porter. He's the Jacksonville Jaguars' attitude problem now, hope they have fun with that. Meanwhile, the Raiders are bringing Bernard Berrian in for a visit and have been linked to Kwame Harris. On a more bittersweet note long time Raider Barry Sims is now on the market.

Jerry Porter is gone. Eight years of unfulfilled potential and attitude problems have left the building. The Raider Nation breathes a sigh of relief, well most of it anyway. The writing was on the wall after the incident last season where Porter made obscene gestures at the Black Hole. Maybe afresh start will do him some good, but probably not. He never stepped up his game to be the go-to receiver after the departures of Tim Brown and Jerry Rice. Sure he had a few highlight reel games, such as the 2003 snow game against the Denver Broncos, but those were mixed in with long periods of sub-pedestrian performances. He got a free pass from the Nation for his cry-baby act because of the Tom Walsh so called offense. Not saying it would have been a reincarnation of the Rams' "greatest show on turf" but had Porter gotten with the program, instead of acting the fool to get sentenced to the bench and a certain other nameless receiver who wore #18 and quit on his team, that offense might have had some chance of being at least mediocre instead of pathetic.

Barry Sims was probably the only player in Silver and Black more hated on by Raider fans than Stuart Schweigert over the years. (Yes, even more than Josh McCown.) What was lost in the look at his negatives was that he was a true success story in the Silver and Black. He was an undrafted free agent who manned the left tackle position in Oakland for three division championship teams and an AFC championship. True, he got owned by Simeon Rice in the Super Bowl, but the Bucs knew the snap count. He protected Rich Gannon's blind side well enough though the season well enough for Gannon to win MVP. After the Super Bowl debacle, he developed a false start problem that plagued him for the remainder of his career. He was a warhorse for the Raiders for many years, and left it all on the field. He may not have been an All-Pro, but it was never lack of motivation.

The magnitude of the contract given to Tommy Kelly has been the talk of the league. In fact, pft even said that it was being laughed at. The Raiders' brass (Al Davis) must have faith that Kelly is ready to step it up to the next level. Rob Ryan and Warren Sapp have both raved about Kelly's abilities, and if he plays up to that standard, his contract may look like a bargain in two to three years. Granted, he could also end up stinking up the joint and then the league will really be cracking up. The thing to consider most about that deal is that the Raiders locked up a promising young player to a long term deal. Its really a double edged sword, because Al Davis is being criticized for overpaying, but had he let Kelly walk then Davis would be criticized for being cheap.

Gibril Wilson was a great pick-up in that the Raiders needed a safety that is a solid tackler. I read a thread on a Giants' message board where they were lamenting the loss of Wilson, which really makes me think that this was a great pickup. This was a signing that Raider X called back on February 5th, when I did not even know Wilson's name. This move is being celebrated by the Nation almost as much for signaling a likely end to Stuart Schweigert's time in Silver and Black as they are the addition of Wilson. The Raiders kept Nnamdi Asomugha out of free agency with the exclusive rights free franchise tag. That was a good move as they could see what the market was going to bring for cornerbacks. Ashante Samuel's deal with Philly will likely set the basis for Aso's long term deal. Once the Raiders get that deal done, that will likely lower his cap umber off of the approximately $10 million that it stands at now. They can give him a fat deal with a signing bonus that will pro-rate over the length of the contract. The Raiders will likely get that finalized after the draft to insure that they will have the room to ink their picks.

The Raiders would love to ink Bernard Berrian to be a deep threat compliment to Ronald Curry. I would think that after being with Rex Grossman, that he would be intrigued with catching balls from the cannon armed JaMarcus Russell. Hopefully this deal gets done before he goes to see other teams. He has already been to Minnesota and left without a contract.

Kwame Harris is another free agent that the Raiders are reportedly linked to. In fact, pft.com erroneously reported last night that he had already been signed by the Raiders. The Raiders will need help at the tackle position after letting Sims go.

Tags: Al Davis, Ashante Samuel, Barry Sims, Bernard Berrian, Chichago Bears, Denver Broncos, Gibril Wilson, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaguars, JaMarcus Russell, Jerry Porter, Jerry Rice, Josh McCown, Kwame Harris, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Raiders, Rex Grossman, Rich Gannon, Rob Ryan, Simeon Rice, Stuart Schweigert, Tim Brown, Tommy Kelly, Warren Sapp

Discussion

11 Comments on "A productive opening to free agency for the Oakland Raiders"

Posted by A Productive Opening to Free Agency for the Oakland Raiders - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board, March 1, 2008 1:36 AM

[...] Productive Opening to Free Agency for the Oakland Raiders Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - Most Valuable Network � Blog Archive � A productive opening to f... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]

Posted by OakFoSho, March 1, 2008 2:57 AM

The addition of Berrian and Harris would really prove that the Raiders are on the right track to filling their needs and getting back on top in the west. I can't wait until the draft.

OakFoSho

Posted by The RaiderCast » Blog Archive » Thoughts from the Dark Side: A productive opening to fre, March 1, 2008 7:53 AM

[...] Read more. [...]

Posted by Rada4life, March 1, 2008 8:20 AM

Kwame Harris is not the answer.We would replacing one penalty making player for another.Just look at what the 9 er fans have to say about him>>http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/archive/index.php/t-840.html.I would love to addition of Berrian and Gibril Wilson is a great add for a defense that is in need of a hard hitting safety.The Raiders still need to address OT,WR,DT(for competition for Kelley if he doesn't produce)and also DE after letting Chris Clemoens go(although,Jay Richardson may "step up" this year,but we still need another).I always liked Porter's play abilities,but always thought he wasn't giving it his all.JP will end up showing his true colors at Jacksonville.If he can't be productive there,he won't be productive anywhere.Barry Sims;I appreciate his work attitude and service for our silver and black,but his time is up(good luck Barry).Let's hope we address the needs with the draft this year.GO RADAS!Raiders WILL Be Great In 08!

Posted by Giants Fan in NY, March 1, 2008 11:24 AM

Gibril Wilson will be missed greatly by TRUE giants fans. When he was a rookie four years ago he exploded onto the scene and was a force from the start. He seemed to be around the ball on most plays. Whether it was diving into screens, blitzing the QB, hard hits over the middle or picking off passes. In an injury shortened season(neck stinger) of about 8 or 9 games that year he had four picks and a sack.

Because of that injury he seemed to have slowed the next season playing with a little less aggressiveness from the year before but was still our best safety. But he soon returned to form this year as a ball hawk grabbing four INT's and being our leader and intimidating force over the middle for the likes of the cowboys, packers, and patriots call all attest to on the game film.

Real Giants fans are sick that we didn't have him locked up going into this season. Gibril is not some "role" player. If you watch a game at Giants Stadium on sundays it is not uncommon to see some #28 jerseys. Wilson isn't Ed Reed by any stretch, but a developing Brian Dawkins, ABSOLUTELY. He was probably our best safety we have ever had that I can remember.

Raider Nation is going to LOVE his effort, intensity, and aggressive nature. He is a good guy and a great locker room presence. They may have overpaid by 1-2 Million, but as a Giant fan who just lost one of our best players off a great defense, I would have countered with a 4.5M/year offer and not blinked.

We will miss him and good luck in the Silver and Black!

Posted by Rick Wascher, March 1, 2008 1:25 PM

To the Giants fan in NY

Thank you for the class you show in wishing us good luck after getting Gibril Wilson. And for beating those hated Patriots in the Superbowl. That day I was truely a Giants fan as well. That was one of the best Superbowls I ever saw. That look like a deer between the headlights on Brady's face said it all.

Posted by RaydarNashon@@@, March 1, 2008 3:39 PM

Yo, to the Gaints fan in NY, the NFL is special because of teams like the G-Men! I quickly became an admirer watching them DESTROY the pats!! Gibril Wilson is a GREAT pick for OakTown!! Plax would look good in silver and black, don't ya think!!!

Posted by Steve, March 1, 2008 3:45 PM

Giant season ticket holder 31 years here and I really do think once again the Raiders overpayed big time for a better than average safety. Good luck though with your pick!!!

Posted by LDizzle, March 1, 2008 3:48 PM

Yes "Giants fan in NY" I echo Rick's statements when I say thank you for the sentiment. I am really excited to have Gibril and I think any Giants fan who says that we paid way too much for an average player may be just a bit bitter. The Raiders paid for what he will do for our secondary. Gibril is worth 2 positions to us. He lets Huff move to his natural position of FS and Stu can be a backup which upgrades both positions which in turn helps our CB and Fabian needs the help it would seem. Gibril can also come up and help out our LB in run defense with his hitting and tackling ability. I too was a big Giants fan on SB sunday. I can honestly say I have NEVER been so happy to see another team win a SB in my life. I blew out my voice I yelled so loud when Plax caught that TD pass. Truly a great game and a great day for all football fans not in NE and/or on their bandwagon.

#10

Posted by Mad Road Dog, March 1, 2008 4:38 PM

ggggood but where's the beef?

#11

Posted by Steve, March 1, 2008 5:12 PM

LDizzle I said he was better than average. Not just average but $39 million??? Plus he had a front 4 putting pressure big time all year. The Giants will use that money in the draft. GM Reese was 8 for 8 in the draft last year. Don't be suprised if Shockey goes too. The 2-teams in the Super Bowl last year especialy the Giants did not persue overpayed FA. Instead they used the draft very well. once again good luck with your new safety....Cap money is VERY important now in the NFL not to waste