Time to budget; Raiders not likely to splurge
Unlike the 2008 off-season, the Oakland Raiders are not likely to toss money around to big name free agents. With two key players of their own ready to hit the market, the Silver & Black need to find ways to lock up their prized cornerback, valuable punter and add talent to a team that has posted 24-72 record since 2003.
Nnamdi Asomugha earned $9.765 million last year after being slapped with the exclusive franchise tag. He could make up to $2 million more in 2009 if that tag is applied again, and with no signs of a long-term deal getting done and growing concerns about the teams direction – especially after Asomugha showed displeasure with happenings within the organization during the season – its quite possible that Oakland may have priced itself into a tight corner for the Pro Bowler.
Asomugha is a top priority for the Raiders, and keeping him is in their plans. But at what cost do they keep him?
Shane Lechler is also free to walk, and if they cannot work out a deal with Asomugha, then Oakland cannot use the tag on their punter. A franchise designation on Lechler will only cost them $2.48 million. Since Asomugha is more valuable, it’s likely they won’t be able to retain the six-time All-Pro, who has been through the ups and downs of this organization since entering the league and just last season, was punched in the face by teammate Terdell Sands during an argument on the team flight home from Denver according to several sources.
“We’ve got a tough problem with Nnamdi and Lechler, a tough problem,” Al Davis said in early February. “They’re both unsigned and you only have one franchise designation. I’m not resigned to anything, but I say it’s tough.”
It’s all but certain that one will go. And with an estimated $34 million in bonuses to players currently on the roster coming, there isn’t much this team will be able to do to upgrade several positions that are in dire need of help.
Wide receiver is one glaring problem. But with Javon Walker’s immovable contract, the Raiders will have to hope to squeeze anything out of him in 2009 and look forward to the likes of Johnnie Lee Higgins, Chaz Schilens or any of the other young targets to evolve into solid pass catchers for JaMarcus Russell. Drew Carter, who was acquired last season, but did not play in any regular season games due to a torn ACL, could come back and has stated that he would like to be back.
Along the offensive line, Oakland needs a serious upgrade at one and possibly two tackle spots. At this point, Mario Henderson has made the coaching staff more at ease with possibly handing him a job to start the season. But with very little after that and the cost of tackles in this market, Oakland will be hard pressed to find cheap good talent to protect Russell.
With the draft combine just around the corner, its safe to say that the team will make receiver and offensive line help top priorities especially with their cap situation.
This team has a lot of holes to fill. They have to surround Russell with better talent. But their resources will be very limited this off-season.
It’s time for them to be crafty with their personnel moves, draft well and groom talent to their best of their abilities
Something the Raiders have not done well in a long time.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
