Silver and Black Report

Derrick Burgess, DE

The Oakland Raiders got great value out of the speedy defensive end in his first three-campaigns after signing a five-year, $18 million contract. The then 26-year old had only played in 29 regular season contests with 15-starts for the Philadelphia Eagles. “I’m ecstatic and proud to have the opportunity to wear the Silver and Black,” Burgess said. “I’m joining a quality organization in the Raiders with a great tradition and history.” Burgess started his career in Oakland as a back-up, but midway through the 2005 campaign, the sacks began to pile up and at seasons end, he had the team record for sacks (16), while leading the league in that category in landing his first Pro Bowl bid. He followed that up with 11-sacks in 2006 and another Pro Bowl selection while fighting through injuries. His numbers dipped in his last full season with the Raiders and frustration regarding the losing and the desire for a new deal eventually soured Burgess. “He’s been frustrated,’’ said then position coach Keith Millard. “We’ve had four head coaches in four years and we struggled on defense.’’

Verdict: Oakland had a very productive pass rusher for three-seasons, priced way below the going rate for players of Burgess’ caliber when he arrived. When he became disgruntled, the Raiders traded him to the Patriots and instead of bucking in to his demands, they parted ways with a player who has not been able to regain his form.

Tory James, CB

Oakland signed James away from the Denver Broncos with a 5-year, $18 million contract. In his three campaigns with the Silver & Black, the cornerback tallied 11 interceptions during the regular season. In his most memorable moment with the Raiders, James returned an interception 90-yards in Oakland’s 27-0 romp of the Miami Dolphins, propelling them into the AFC Championship game in January of 2001. “Before I go to sleep, I always visualize making plays,” James stated after the game. “It seems like today my dreams came true.”

Verdict: James was a solid member of the Raiders defensive backfield. He was released in 2003 due to a high cap number ($5.7 million), as Oakland scrambled to get under the cap after their Super Bowl appearance.

Zack Crockett. RB/FB

From 1999-to-2006, Crockett was a fiery leader for the Silver & Black. He compiled 35 touchdowns in his Raider career as a short yardage and goal line specialist. In 2003, Oakland retained his services with a seven-year, $12 million contract when he was 30-years old. Crockett bowled over Kansas City defenders in the 2002 regular season finale – in a muddy field – tallying 72-yards on 11 carries with one score. A few weeks later in the AFC Championship Game, his 7-yard scoring run was the last nail in the Titans coffin.

Verdict:  In September of 2007, Oakland released the aging leader. He was a hard runner for the Raiders, a solid blocker and a stout presence in the locker room and on the practice field.

Here are past installments of this Free-Agent series:

Part 1:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 1

Part 2:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 2

Part 3:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 3

Part 4:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 4

Part 5:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 5

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-seven is coming soon…