Special Teams never comes cheap for the Raiders
The Oakland Raiders place a premium on their special teams. And it shows with past contracts to many of their specialists and kickers.
Here’s a look back at some of Oakland’s deals with past special team contributors:
Sebastian Janikowski
Selected in the 1st round in 2000 and then given a four-year, $16 million contract with $9 million in guarantees in 2010. He was also the league’s highest paid kicker in 2005 when Oakland extended his contract five years, worth $10.5 million.
Shane Lechler
“This contract is the greatest ever given to a punter in the history of the National Football League,” said senior executive John Herrera after the Raiders inked Lechler for four years, $16 million, with $9 million guaranteed.
Isaiah Ekejiuba
In 2009, Oakland made Ekejiuba the highest paid coverage specialist with a 3-year deal worth $5.4 million and a $1.25 million signing bonus.
Jon Condo
Reportedly given a 2nd round tender. In March of 2010, Condo signed a restricted free agent tender worth $1.684 million.
Desmond Howard
Oakland snagged their second straight Super Bowl MVP in 1997, with a four-year, $6 million contract, that included a $2 million signing bonus. Howard salvaged a fading career by becoming a terrifying kickoff returner with the Green Bay Packers prior to landing with the Raiders.
Darrien Gordon
In 1999, after releasing Howard, the Silver & Black signed Gordon, who at the time had an NFL best 13.2-yard punt return average. The contract was worth $9.2 million over three-seasons.
Adam Treu
The Raiders released the long snapper in 2007 after he earned more than $1.2 million in salary during the 2006 season.
Follow me on Twitter, click here.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
