Silver and Black Report

Robert Gallery stated that he wouldn’t be back for another season with the Oakland Raiders.

Right after, senior executive John Herrera stated, “[Gallery] was asking for too much money. He wanted $8 million; we were at $2.5 million. It was just way out of line with what we thought was reasonable.”

Oakland’s starting left guard in 2010 was at the Ed Block Courage Awards banquet, commented, “My parents always told me to be professional, be classy and tell the truth.”

He continued: “What he chose to say is his business, and I really don’t have any comment on what he said. I’ve always told the truth.”

As for his conversation with owner Al Davis, and the decision to move on, the former first round talent stated, “He’s always been good to talk to. I talked to him a lot throughout my career. It’s a business. Everybody knows how that is and I’m excited for the next opportunity. I definitely enjoyed playing there. I loved playing for Mr. Davis, but they’re moving in a different direction.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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 2^nd 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.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

An inevitable lockout is hindering how NFL organizations operate, unless they are called the Oakland Raiders.

Forking over big contracts in trying to retain many of their key components while the rest of the league is bracing themselves for a lockout, the Silver & Black are just trying to bring some stability to a situation that has no clear end.

“What we did is protect our football team,” Raiders senior executive John Herrera said. “These are moves that protect our franchise and protect our team and put us in a position to move on.”

Oakland has inked Richard Seymour (two-year contract at $30 million with $22 million in guarantees), Stanford Routt (three-year contract at $31.5 mill.) and John Henderson (two-year deal, $8 mill.), while slapping an $11.32 million franchise tag on Kamerion Wimbley.

That’s a lot of money being tossed around, but those players won’t be cashing in on any checks until there is a resolution to the league’s labor dispute. No signing bonuses have been paid and with the current CBA expiring on Thursday, Oakland feels that they are going into this volatile time with more security than other clubs.

“When you’re signing these players to contracts the way we signed them, these contracts are all for the future,” Herrera stated on Monday. “These guys will have to come in and play and earn their money before they get paid. The Raiders have not paid out a dime at this point in time.”

Routt stated on a Houston talk show, “Oh yeah definitely, not having to worry about going the free agent route, trying to figure out this team, that team, this deal, that deal, the pros, the cons – not have to worry about any of that; just go back to work as soon as the CBA is taken care of.”

Al Davis probably isn’t making any friends with all these transactions, but has he ever worried about playing nice?

MORE ROUTT TALK

On Rod Woodson joining the coaching staff:

“I actually haven’t met him. But I definitely know who he is. I mean, growing up, him and Deion Sanders were my two favorite corners of all time. I know he’s going to bring a lot of talent, a lot of prestige, and lot of knowledge to the program.”

DRAFT TID BITS

Ole Miss nose tackle Jerrell Powe could be a target of the Raiders. At 6-foot-2, 335 pounds, the hefty linemen views himself as a fit in either 3-4 or 4-3 fronts and likens himself to Vince Wilfork of the Patriots and the Vikings Pat Williams.

Oakland had meetings scheduled with him, along with the Chiefs, Broncos, Ravens and Dolphins.

Jerry McDonald advised to keep an eye on Buster Skrine. The cornerback from Tennesee-Chattanooga posted a 4.29 40-yard time and holds the school record at 4.22. Who else went to the same school? Boisterous wide erceiver Terrell Owens and former Raider tackle Terdell Sands.

ESPN’s Bill Williamson noted another defensive back, Demarcus Van Dyke. The product out of Miami ran the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.28.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

According to ESPN, Al Saunders has accepted the offensive coordinator position for the Oakland Raiders.

He will work alongside Hue Jackson once again, as both were part of the Baltimore Ravens’ staff in 2008 and 2009.

“He’s been huge for us, but you don’t want to deny guys opportunities either,” coach John Harbaugh said. “So, we’ll just have to see where it goes.”

Saunders has worked with Jason Campbell in Washington in 2006/2007, could alleviate Jackson’s move to the top by taking on offensive coordinator duties – helping with the game plan with his extensive playbook and preparing the players during the week leading up to the game. Jackson has stated he will continue to play call on game days.

Saunders has interviewed for the Raiders many times, including in 2004 when Bill Callahan was canned and in 2006 after Norv Turner was fired. In 2009, Saunders interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator position, a Raider official confirmed.

“We expect to talk to him in the next day or two,” team executive John Herrera said. “He’s a guy we’ve known for a long time on the other side of the field.

Al Davis has admired Saunders, as the long time play caller is a proponent of the “Air Coryell” passing game.

When Saunders was the Chargers head coach in 1986, he stated about the Silver & Black, “The Raiders defensive mentality push ‘em in the face and crunch ‘em.”

Saunders in 2006 accepted a three-year, $6 million deal to become the Redskins offensive coordinator.

Now, the Chad Ochocinco to the Raiders speculation by fans and some media will only heat up, especially if the Cincinnati Bengals decide to part ways with the talkative and boisterous target.

As soon as Jackson became head coach, the Bengals’ wide receiver tweeted:

“Congratulations 2 Hue Jackson for becoming the Oakland Raiders new head coach. Best receiver coach I ever had.”

He also posted these messages in the past regarding the new Raider head coach:

“It would be refreshing to be with Hue Jackson again. I know I wouldn’t have to worry about being thrown under a bus again.”

“I would not care where Hue Jackson got a job. I would go play for him, run through a wall, jump in front of a bus, etc. u get the point.”

The need is there for Oakland.

Jacoby Ford appears to be headed in the right direction. Louis Murphy is fiery and a tough competitor, but still way too inconsistent to be a starter in this league. Chaz Schilens is cheap and has solid attributes – the only reason why he is kept around, because his fragility would have been a major reason why other team’s would’ve released him already. Darrius Heyward-Bey is on the road to ‘bust-ville’ and any other receiver they have is a never will be or not NFL material.

With as many points Oakland scored this year, imagine an attack with Ochocinco, those young developing targets getting pushed down the depth chart with not as much pressure on them, Zach Miller getting some aide in the passing attack and Jason Campbell comfortable with a ‘go to’ target in his second year with Jackson. Sprinkle some more reliable offensive line play and now you can talk about the offense taking that next big step to the elite level of the league. A lot of ‘ifs’ and many of those positives are not just going to happen as easy as saying it, but the framework can be there.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders All-Pro punter Shane Lechler blasted the Silver & Black management and their handling of the Tom Cable situation. The six-time pro-bowl selection was shocked by Oakland not picking up the option on Cable’s deal on Tuesday  night.

“I just looked at my wife,” Lechler said during the phone conversation with CSN Bay Area reporter Kate Longworth. “I can go through another head coach.”

He continued: “It’s not fun.”

Lechler was one of the many Raiders who campaigned for Cable’s return. Later in the interview, he was adamant about the possibly outcomes of this decision by Al Davis.

He said, “I think this is going to be a huge set back for us, to tell you the truth. Tom was good and how he handled the whole dealing with Al [Davis] and all that situation. He was one of the better coaches I’ve had that can handle that part of it and not let part of it bother the football team. And that’s what I enjoyed about him.”

Lechler even forecasted that some key players that also supported Cable may now be inclined to go elsewhere once free-agency begins.

“You’ll probably see people like Robert Gallery go on t another team, probably Michael Bush,” stated the 34-year old.

“I seriously think is a set-back,” he said after making a case for Cable and emphasizing the achievement of going undefeated within their division in 2010.

Arguably the best punter of this generation, Lechler even looked back to compare prior displeasures during his tenure: “The last time I was probably this disappointed was when [Davis] traded Jon [Gruden] to Tampa.”

He admitted that Cable, “…pretty much brought a no nonsense approach.”

As for Hue Jackson, “ It’s kind of hard for me to judge Hue.”

“Yes I do respect him,” said Lechler. “Whether he can call plays and pull off the whole head coaching deal and deal with Al Davis on the side, I don’t know, that’s a lot on somebody’s plate.”

Lechler said he attempted to call Davis and senior executive John Herrera, but was discontented with them not picking up his call.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

According to ESPN, the Oakland Raiders have parted ways with former first overall selection JaMarcus Russell.

Senior executive John Herrera was quoted as saying, “we wish him well,” to the Associated Press.

Oakland has paid more than $39 million to the LSU product since drafting him, in a career that featured a holdout, poor work ethic, troubles with his weight and lackluster efforts on the field.

SBReport.net will have a complete story and a feature looking back at his bust career tonight…

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Agent Jack Bechta, who represents Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, refuted a story that his client interviewed for the Oakland Raiders or that he was offered the job to coach the club.

“There is no truth to the rumors that Jim Harbaugh or I have met with the Raiders,” Bechta told the National Football post.

“Further, Jim has not interviewed with nor been offered the head coaching job of the Oakland Raiders. Jim and Al (Davis, team owner) have a very special relationship full of mutual respect. However, the rumors circulating are absolutely false.”

The Raiders still have not made a decision publicly about Tom Cable’s future with the club, but rumors have circulated about possible candidates for the eventual opening if he is jettisoned.

Hue Jackson has recently made a trip to Oakland to interview for a mystery job.

Raider executives have also shot down any reports that they have interviewed coaches such as Jim Fassel and Marc Trestman.

“The reports that we’ve interviewed prospective head coaches are totally untrue, totally false,” John Herrera told the Oakland Tribune.

Fassel stated on Siirus.XM radio that he hasn’t been contacted by the Silver & Black and that he is not lobbying for a position.

Unlike Rob Ryan, who stated, “Hell, yeah, I’d have interest,” if Oakland had an opening.

Trestman has been linked to the Raiders, but his agent also denied some of the news circulating about his client.

“All I can tell you is Marc’s the head coach of the Alouettes and has not interviewed for any jobs,” agent, Darren Weiner reported to The Montreal Gazette. “Nor is he trying to position himself for any jobs. There’s no news to report. He’s the head coach (of Montreal). That’s it.”

Reports today have circulated about the Oakland Raiders reaching out to current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Even though no decision has been made regarding Tom Cable’s future, insiders have stated that Harbaugh was talked about being their next coach, but the former NFL quarterback was not interested in the job.

Jim Fassel has also been rumored about for some time now, but he trashed any thoughts of him throwing his own hat into the ring on Sirius.XM Radio on Wednesday commenting, “I’m not lobbying for the Raider job. I have never in my life rooted for a coach to be let go so there’s an opening. I never have.”

Fassel, who is the head coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL, has had his name come up in the past when Oakland had openings and his son – John – is the current special teams coordinator for the Silver & Black.

Other names such as Winston Moss and Marc Trestman have also surfaced.

SBReport.net learned on January 12^th that Trestman was a leading candidate if there was an opening and that Oakland had serious interest in the current coach of the Montreal Alouettes that play in the Canadian Football League.

Cable has been in limbo since the end of the 2009 season. And per John Herrera, both Al Davis and Cable have talked while other coaches have contacted Oakland for positions.

“Most of the characterizations of Al Davis’ meetings with the head coach being short or brief are not true either,” Herrera said. “Mr. Davis has had meetings of some depth with the head coach. There have been meetings and meetings of substance.”

He continued: “A lot of people have called inquiring about coaching positions.”

ESPN has reported that Hue Jackson is under consideration to take over as the offensive coordinator.

Many of these rumors can lead you to believe that Davis may still be considering keeping Cable and delegating other duties to new staffers. As stated in an article on SBREPORT.NET, Davis could be setting up varying parameters for Cable’s return.

Or, Davis is testing the waters to see what’s available if and when he decides to pull the plug on Cable.

Either way, Davis’ actions right now are very undermining and not very loyal. Especially if he’s partaking in these interviews with candidates such as Jackson to comply with the Rooney Rule.

Cable right now appears like a puppet; a coach who is just in purgatory.

But one thing he has been is loyal. And more importantly, a guy who wants the job and has shown great pride in being the Raiders coach.

Javon Walker has been subpoenaed to testfy in the trial of the alleged killer of former teammate Darrent Williams.

Oakland’s receiver will most likely testify in the trial of Willie Clark, who is the suspect that allegedly shot Williams after a nightclub altercation on New Year’s Day 2007.

Walker and Williams were members of the Denver Broncos and the wide receiver was next to Williams in a limousine that was showered by gunfire.

Jury selection for the trial will begin in February. Clark, 26,  is charged with first-degree murder, but has denied firing any shots on that evening.

Walker told HBO’s “Real Sports” he was haunted by that event and still had objects from that frightful evening in an interview August 2007.

“I still have those clothes,” Walker replied.

When asked about the clothing, he said, “It’s just something that reminds me every day of what could happen and this is what happened to my friend. And this is like … what’s left of him is on my clothes.”

Walker signed with the Raiders in March of 2008. The six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees will go down as one of the biggest free-agent bust signings for the organization.

He then restructured in March of 2009, saving the Raiders a reported $22 million. “We are very happy Javon agreed to restructure his contract and be a part of what we’re building here,” senior executive John Herrera said. “This shows his loyalty and commitment to being a member of the Oakland Raiders and we’re excited about that.”

The executive continued: “The guy can play, he’s proven that before. He was injured last year and didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. This gives him that opportunity.”

But Walker was a non-factor this season and was exiled on the inactive list all year, seemingly in the owner’s doghouse.

Walker stated in September of 2009, “I’m more than healthy enough.”

“I’m just going with the flow.”

Walker miffed the Raiders when he had a procedure done on his right knee that was a surprise to them during their camps. “We just found out about it,” Tom Cable said back in May. “Yeah, it is a little bit uncommon but we’re aware of it now and it was probably the right thing to do and get it cleaned up.”

It is expected that both parties will end their relationship with each other this off-season.

Oakland has a group of young players they like at wide receiver and at this point, there is no need to continue to keep a disenchanted bust on the roster that is ready to move on.

“That’s a done issue,” Walker commented in 2008 after reports circulated about the Raiders talking him out of retirement. “I’m not really sure what happened but that’s a done issue. That’s something that obviously people hear stuff. I’m here practicing, waiting, and [I] obviously can’t wait till the season starts.

“I’m in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn’t I [be]? I’m with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I’m looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense.”

That was just one incident after being called out by former coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape and after he was reportedly abducted, beaten and robbed in Las Vegas. Walker was found on the side of a street with facial injuries after he was robbed for thousands of dollars worth of money and jewelry.

Tom Cable is still employed by the Oakland Raiders…

And per senior executive John Herrera, Al Davis and the coach in limbo could meet today again to talk about the job and his future in Silver & Black.

But what exactly are they talking about?

Isn’t it quite clear; you are either fired, or told to continue your duties as head coach.

Nothing is lucid in Oakland. Especially with Davis handing this situation and needing to make a correct decision in order to help his team get back to respectability.

I’m assuming the talks can be about one thing, and one thing only…

Davis setting up parameters for Cable’s return.

Why else will they meet over several days and prolong an outcome?

Cable wants the job. He needs this job. It’s not like he will be a hot commodity once he is jettisoned that will interview for any vacancies in the future. Sure, he’ll probably land as a position coach elsewhere and continue his football-teaching career. But there won’t be another chance to lead a NFL club; especially with the likes of Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden in waiting for openings.

Cable will do anything to keep this job. And making concessions to Davis, even if it’s grudgingly, is something he’ll have to do and that may be happening. Why else the waiting game?

Davis could be telling him that he would like to relieve him of his play-calling duties. Maybe Davis is giving Cable his thoughts on what the staff could look like if he remained as head coach.

Davis could be telling him that regardless of how he feels about JaMarcus Russell, the former no. 1 overall pick has to and will be given another shot to lead his club. Remember, it was Davis who had visions of John Elway when Russell was coming out of college and also stated, “He is a great player. Get over it,” during the September 2008 press conference in which he detailed his desire to draft Russell.

He could also be making other commands that Cable will have to concede to. Cable may have to live through weeks were Darrius Heyward-Bey struggles in the future, but since that was Davis’ selection, taking him out of the line-up won’t be an option.

And what is Cable going to say? He’s not going to tell him to take his job and shove it. He’s been loyal to the Raiders and wants to continue his work with this crop of Raiders. So bending over backwards and jumping through Davis’ hoops will have to happen.

That’s the only conclusion I can come up with regarding the delayed announcement.

If Cable were canned, no way would there be such a calm within the facility. If Cable was a goner, just state it and move forward with the hiring process.

The meetings could be indicators of the above scenarios.

Could Davis be that vindictive in keeping Cable awaiting a decision?

All that negative press with the Randy Hanson situation and the uncovering of the history of violence towards women reported by ESPN could have left Davis with that bad of a taste in his mouth? Would he leave Cable in limbo due to Russell’s benching?

Many questions surround this situation in Oakland.

And very little answers are ever even substantiated during these times when the Silver & Black are involved.

A decision will come, but it won’t be soon enough it seems.