Silver and Black Report

Is he in shape? Is he really taking this off-season serious?

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is the hot topic right now, especially since reports about his off-season conditioning have surfaced and Comcast SportsNet’s Kate Longworth chased down the elusive passer after Tuesday’s work out session.

Willie Brown boasted about Russell saying, “It’s quite a bit of weight that he’s lost … I don’t want to pin it down and say how much he lost but it will be a significant difference when you see him compared to last year.

“The most important thing is he’s getting in shape. Not only losing weight, but getting in shape. He’s watching his diet, he has special meals brought in that he’s eating, and we have one of the Raiders, a former player there with him to monitor him and make sure things are going fine. The weight thing, he’ll get it down. He’ll get it down.”

Just because Russell has taken the first steps to back respectability and to possibly salvaging a career does not mean that he’s on his way to greatness or that he can still be trusted.

Russell is far from being a capable NFL starter.

Losing weight will help out his mobility. Shedding those excessive pounds will help in trying to instill trust in a fan-base and more importantly, a squad that has little hope in the lackadaisical signal caller.

But that does not change the fact that he is still shouldering a major burden: being the number one overall pick, getting paid a brinks truck full of dollars and being the savior of a bottom feeding organization.

And his new work-out regimen does not mean that he will be accurate. Nor does it make him trustworthy in handling a complex NFL playbook and being able to integrate that on the field on Sundays.

Russell has a long way to go.

But because he is making these first steps, that will be enough to titillate Al Davis and give the former LSU product the benefit of the doubt.

This will likely keep Bruce Gradkowski at the bottom of the hill, trying to go against a passer that will have the owner’s side when they face each other in the coming months for starting supremacy. And you know how that will end, unless Russell is injured, just tanks it completely or the team revolts publicly, Gradkowski may never see a fair shake in Oakland.

It may take Russell bombing early in 2010 and a atrocious start to the campaign before we ever see the quarterback that stated last week, “Yeah, I think that’s the way it always has to go [open competition for the job]. I believe that in any business that you are on, any field of work, competition just makes you better and the best person should be out there for the job,” on the field.

Gradkowski continued, “I think that’s the way it should take place. That’s the way it will take place and I’m looking forward to it. I’m just excited for getting this opportunity and like I’ve said, competition makes you better and there’s going to be competition everywhere. It’s just the nature of the game. So I’m looking forward to it this year and I’ll love to get it from the start and see what we can do with it.”

He may not see that action early, but that’s because Russell is saying and doing all the right things now.

There’s no guarantee that Russell will continue this. And there is no reason to think that all the ills that he has brought on to the football team and his organization will cease.

So I wouldn’t be too giddy just yet about what Russell has done.

What he will do at the start of the summer and in the fall will be far more important, even though he may be finally realizing that major changes were needed for him to become a professional.

Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and long snapper Jon Condo have signed their restricted free agent tenders and will be back for the Oakland Raiders in 2010.

Gradkowski will make $1.759 million and Condo will earn $1.684 million.

Both players can now participate in Alameda at the team’s facility for the first official day of off-season workouts.

The Oakland Raiders struck a deal with the trade happy Cleveland Browns on Sunday, acquiring linebacker Kamerion Wimbley.

The 26-year old was the Browns 13^th overall selection in the 2006 draft when then general manager Phil Savage stated, “The very first time I saw Kamerion in person I said, ‘This is the prototype’ — the arm length, the knee bend, the athletic ability, the flexibility.”

When Cleveland selected him, Savage proclaimed, “There’s no reason to think he won’t have an outstanding, Pro Bowl-caliber career.”

As a rookie, Wimbley tallied 11 sacks, but as the team struggled on defense in his second campaign, so did he with a sophomore jinx although he led the team with 5 sacks.

As the 2009 season was winding down, Browns head coach Eric Mangini commented, “Kamerion Wimbley has made a ton of progress from the beginning of the season to where he is now in terms of his approach to the game plan. It’s dramatic.”

Mangini praised his work ethic, study habits and discipline on the football field.

“The amount of mental errors he has made is dramatically different,” said Mangini. “It’s a great thing to see.”

Wimbley had five sacks in the first seven games of the season. He missed a game against the Steelers with the flu and when he got back into the line-up, opponents keyed the linebacker, which freed up other teammates.

“I’ve been doing a lot of positive things as far as growth and development,” Wimbley said. “I’ve put in a lot of hours off the field, learning more about defensive schemes and everybody’s role within our scheme and how it affects me. Just knowing a lot more about the game and the Xs and Os has helped me play faster.”

The Browns moved him around on defense, another reason why he Mangini was happy to see his development.

“It gives opposing teams a different look and made it a little more difficult for them to prepare,” Wimbley said. “It gives us things that we can play around with in the game, bringing other people from different spots and then not knowing where they’re coming from. It just mixes it up a little bit.”

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, as many outlets are reporting Oakland gave up “undisclosed draft compensation.”

At the end of the 2009 season, Wimbley stated, “I think I’ve gotten better every year and I plan on continuing to do that.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the signing of free agent linebacker Jon Alston yesterday.

He spent 3 campaigns with the Oakland Raiders after being selected in the 3^rd round of the 2006 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams. Alston, 26, is mainly a back-up, but his contributions on special teams is what made him attractive for the Buccaneers and the New York Jets, who had the four year pro in for a visit on Thursday.

The Silver & Black did not tender Alston, making him an unrestricted free agent and giving him the opportunity to sign elsewhere.

Alston had 23-tackles last season and had four starts, but concussions derailed his campaign and he wound up on injured reserve.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Talk about chatter that can facilitate a media storm…

ESPN anchor Linda Cohn Tweeted today that mercurial wide receiver Terrell Owens could become a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Now, this rumor and the coupling of Owens and the Raiders has always been bantered about – especially when he has become available. But today, in the tweet world we live in, a comment can illicit quite the reaction.

“Next stop for Terrel Owens could be the black hole and the Oakland Raiders! This according to Espn’s John Clayton,” read the twitter message.

The same Owens that has alienated Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb. The same ‘T.O’ that reportedly was at odds with Tony Romo due to his jealousy of the quarterback’s relationship with tight end Jason Witten.

To his credit, he went to Buffalo last off-season on a one-year deal and at 35 years old, he amassed a very respectable 55 receptions for 829 yards and 5 TD grabs.

The Cincinnati Bengals flirted with the idea of pairing Owens with the other outlandish receiver in the league, but that was put to rest when they inked Antonio Bryant instead.

At 36, he’s a far superior target than any of the unproven wide receivers the Raiders have currently under contract. But he did look slower this past season even though he put up adequate numbers and was on his best behavior.

You know he’ll always be in good shape. And that he’ll give it his all while on the field when happy.

But can the Raiders afford to bring him in with a shaky quarterback situation and a crop of young targets that need seasoning? How would Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey get the reps needed and consistent chances to get better? Could ‘T.O’ be a model citizen for the Silver & Black?

The Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams could also be landing spots.

Justin Fargas will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday per Adam Schefter.

According to Profootballtalk.com, the Oakland Raiders have released defensive tackle Gerard Warren, who had a roster bonus due on March 16.

Warren, 31, was acquired via trade from the Denver Broncos. He’s been entrenched along the defensive line since his arrival, but Oakland has consistently been one of the worst run defenses in the league even with his addition.

He started 32-games last two seasons.

Kirk Morrison, who was a guest of Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots today on “The Sirius Blitz” on Sirius NFL Radio stated, “There are some teams we’re looking at and we’ve talked to.”

“I’m technically an Oakland Raider still. That’s No. 1,” Morrison said. “But at the same time, you have to explore your options for the future, for the long term. There are some teams out there that would be a good fit, I feel like. But we just have to wait and see.”

The linebacker did not mention any specific clubs.

“Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we can get something done … either with the Raiders or with other teams. I know next year I’m going to be playing football. I just want to make sure I’m in the best, most comfortable position I can be in.”

Morrison, 28, can pocket up to $2.521 million if he signs the third round tender by the Raiders.

He’s been a five-year starter and has lead the team in tackles in four of those five campaigns.

The Raider Nation is not happy.

Well, more than anything, their bored with the current state of the club and feel like this team has abandoned any chance at improving this off-season via free agency. With an un-capped year, the sentiment from the Oakland Raiders fan base is that they should purge themselves of all the hefty contracts and unproductive players or, bring in some big names that can instill some semblance of hope for next season.

Here are a few moves the Silver & Black should make that make football sense and will appease their following.

Get rid of JaMarcus Russell

Yes, this relationship should be ended. Russell has not shown any leadership qualities, has a poor work ethic and has been completely inept when on the field. It’s so bad, that when Bruce Gradkowski came into games, he suddenly became the almighty savior and the entire offense sparked up because there was a competent passer in control of the huddle and game plan. Russell does have serious talent. But he’ll never channel that in a positive way – especially not in Oakland. The enormity of being the 1^st overall pick, shouldering the burden of a large contract and being the focal point of an organization that was sinking rapidly was not understood by Russell. Even if he goes somewhere else and the scenery is changed, Russell just does not show any urgency to be great – that huge signing bonus is enough for him.

Acquire Troy Smith or a vet QB; let them battle with Gradkowski

Troy Smith wants out of Baltimore. He would prefer to land in Cleveland, but Oakland may be a nice option for him. Smith would re-unite with Hue Jackson – his position coach with the Ravens – and get a fair shot to start in this league. If Smith thinks he can be atop a team’s depth chart, then competing against Gradkowski should be something he should embrace. Neither Smith nor Gradkowski have the natural talent that Russell had out of college, but both have intangibles that are far more desirable for a team looking to bounce back to respectability. Both will fight for their job and will give the Raiders hope at quarterback. If not Smith, bringing in another veteran, someone who has NFL experience, as a starter and had past success, that could also be an option.

Avoid picking up any veteran FA RB

Justin Fargas was let go. Partly, because it was time for the Raiders to hand over the reigns of the offense to Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Yes, both have major question marks, whether they can stay healthy or carry the load. But eventually, they have to let both of these young players get their deserved reps and demonstrate why they were taken in the draft. Staying away from a LaDanian Tomlinson or a Larry Johnson is the key. Why bring in a veteran rusher who will want to take away carries from McFadden or Bush?

Extend Zach Miller NOW

Since my vision involves purging, why not then transfer that freed money over to a very productive player. In 2011, Miller will be a free agent. So avoid any snags and deal in good faith with the tight end by keeping him in Silver & Black for the next 5-to-6 seasons. Since entering the NFL, Miller has improved his statistics every year. Quite the feat when you consider his one of the only options that are considered a threat on offense for a very feeble attack.

Lock up Seymour

Richard Seymour would be very happy if Oakland approached him with a respectable long-term deal that will ensure a boatload of money the next few seasons. This will also help the Raiders keep a key cog on defense and a solid leader to anchor this momentous turnaround they are looking for. No, he won’t command Julius Peppers money, but a 4-5 year deal worth around $55 million with about $22-25 in guarantees could get it done.

Seneca Wallace in Cleveland muddied things for Troy Smith

According to Ken Murray of the Baltimore Sun, a good destination for quarterback Troy Smith may be the Oakland Raiders.

Smith, tendered at his original fifth-round level, has stated his desire to bolt Baltimore. His agent went as far as to say that he “would crawl from Baltimore right now to be able to play in Cleveland,” in a report by The (Canton) Repository.

Ralph Cindrich stated, “That’s clearly where his heart is. That’s where his love is. He has a great relationship in Baltimore and with the fans as long as I don’t muck it up too much. He has a great relationship with (Ravens GM) Ozzie Newsome.

“It’s just that this is where home is. In the offseason, he tells me, ‘Get me home.’”

Problem is the Browns already acquired Seneca Wallace and at this moment, may not be looking to add another passer. Unless, reports are true regarding the Browns desire to move Brady Quinn. They already parted ways with Derek Anderson and some league sources have stated that Jake Delhomme was scheduled to visit Cleveland.

Smith could be reunited with Hue Jackson in Oakland, a coach he is familiar with. Jackson will be in charge of the Silver & Black’s offense and could vouch for Smith as a potential competitor against JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski in 2010.

After visiting the bay area, tight end Anthony Becht decided to stay in Arizona, signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

California running back Jahvid Best, who posted a 4.35 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine, spoke to reporters and stated that Raider assistants Kelly Skipper (running backs) and Jim Michalczik (offensive line) chatted with him.

“They did interview me,” Best said. “I think I showed them Raiders speed.”

Justin Fargas will be visiting the Cleveland Browns according to a report by KHTK in Sacramento.

The former Oakland Raiders running back was cut recently and was an option for the Kansas City Chiefs before they acquired Thomas Jones.

According to a report by Pro Football Talk, the Oakland Raiders will host Larry Johnson on Sunday, when the running back comes in for a free agent visit.

The former Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals rusher is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins tomorrow.

Johnson, 30, was a very productive ball carrier for the Chiefs from 2004-to-2006. In 2006, he racked up 416 rushing attempts and since has not been the same. Injuries, off the field issues and a suspension that was termed “conduct detrimental to the club,” by the Chiefs marred his final years with the club that drafted him.

To what extent the Raiders are interested is unknown.

Oakland has two young running backs in Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. Neither has shown the ability to carry the ball consistently over the course of 16-games, but bringing in Johnson and his questionable demeanor and adding him to the mix seems odd.

Oakland should just go with their current crop of rushers and if they have a need to add a third rusher, adding one via the draft or an undrafted free-agent may be the better option rather than a guy who had a lot of off the field concerns and is on the down side of his career,