The Oakland Raiders and Robert Gallery will part ways
Robert Gallery is ready to move one and start fresh somewhere else.
The Oakland Raiders, who have been busy trying to retain most of their free-agents to be, have lost a key component to their roster. Gallery, who started 91 games since entering the league, stated, “With the end of the league year coming today, and the few conversations I’ve had with the Raiders and Mr. [Al] Davis, we’ve come to a mutual agreement that it’s time for me to move on with my career.”
Reportedly, the starting left guard was seeking a contract worth about $8 million a season. Per John Herrera, the Silver & Black were willing to offer nearly $2.5 million per campaign.
“I’m looking for a new start somewhere else, to experience another place, and to be able to accomplish some of the things I want to,” Gallery said. “It’s best for everyone.”
Gallery’s agent, Rick Smith, commented that all indicators from his meetings with the club hinted that the Raiders wanted to go with their youth along the trenches.
In 2004, the Raiders drafted Gallery with the 2nd overall selection.
The former Iowa star stated, “I appreciate the start that they and Mr. Davis gave me and I truly have enjoyed my time wearing the silver and black. I wish them well, I thank the fans and I take away great memories of my time in Oakland.”
He continued: “I’ll always remember being able to come out of the tunnel of that stadium, into the Black Hole. That was exhilarating and never got old. I loved being a part of a group that helped bring the Raiders back to where they were in the past. It’s just that now it’s time to go someplace else.”
ANALYSIS
In an off-season where the Raiders splurged, they found a line in the sand and bullied Gallery. The reported $8 million he was asking for was far too much money for a left guard that consistently missed games due to injury and may not fit the new philosophy offensive line coach Bob Wylie will install.
The 30-year-old will find a job quickly whenever free agency begins. He’s a hard worker, solid teammate and an effective guard when healthy, who could transition back to tackle in the right situation.
Oakland made the right move drafting him in 2004. Gallery was the consensus ‘lock’ talent coming out of college, with very few detractors. The nimble lineman had all the tools that projected him to be a cornerstone left tackle.
Many factors led to him failing at tackle, starting with the constant shifting along the line. “Robert took the bulk of the work at right tackle,” coach Norv Turner said in 2004. “And if things go as planned for the rest of the week, he’ll start.”
Turner had him at guard and tackle to get his feet wet. He was never stout once he got to left tackle, and in 2006 when the line allowed a league high 72-sacks, Gallery accounted for 10.5 of them while missing six-games.
Aaron Kromer, Jim Colletto, Irv Eatman, Jackie Slater, Art Shell, Tom Cable and Jim Michalczik were part of the revolving door of coaches that hindered his development through the start of a promising career, as well.
Cable transformed him into the solid left guard he is now in his zone-blocking scheme. But that was years after the Raiders took him atop the draft with other intentions.
Gallery and Jake Grove were taken together to form a dynamic duo. Oakland had the right idea to build a solid foundation, but that did not pan out in one of the many unfortunate breaks this organization has had since their loss to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl after the 2002 season.
Follow me on Twitter, click here.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist




