More info on Darren Howard

[BoKnowsFootball]

Last week in this space, we reported that the Oakland Raiders were the latest team to demonstrate interest in acquiring New Orleans "franchise" defensive end Darren Howard in a trade. This week, the Raiders ratcheted up talks by speaking directly with Howard's agent, Gary Wichard, about what it would take to sign his client to a long-term contract.

That doesn't necessarily mean the trade negotiations are significantly further along, only that Oakland remains interested enough to have made the next logical step. Word is that Howard isn't quite as enamored with the prospects of going to Oakland as he was the potential for a trade to Dallas, where he would be reunited with Cowboys tackle La'Roi Glover, a former New Orleans line mate. Translation: It's going to take a little more money to persuade Howard, who is coming off a season in which he tied his career best for sacks (11) despite playing much of the season out of position at tackle, that he wants to commit long-term to the Raiders. How much more? We don't know. But Wichard had proposed to the Cowboys, who remain interested in Howard as well, a six-year deal at $34 million and change, with $16 million of that in bonus money.

Another sticking point is that Saints officials haven't demonstrated much interest in the trade bait the Raiders are dangling, principally "franchise" cornerback Charles Woodson.


Got this of Pastabelli's tip sheet.

[Sevendust]

Good move.. I hope the Raiders can pull it off... Trade Phillip Buchanon, Terdell Sands, and a 2006 3rd round pick for Darren Howard.

[raiderofOregon]

If they're not interested in C-Wood, AND Howard wants 6 years 36 mil, i say no way. Too much money to pay him, and in trading woodson for a DE we further weaken an already weak secondary unless they are really seeing something in Nnamidi and Phillip as far as their ability to take over in the secondary this year.

I do however like the fact that we would get to dump C-Wood's 10.5 mil cap hit, this would allow us to sign our draft picks and sign a couple FA lb's.

we definitely shouldn't give them any more than charles though, in fact i think we should get howard and maybe a 3rd round pick for charles

[Hydrex]

I say throw in pbuch with cwood and then sign Dyson and/or Surtain.

[ekgraider]

Originally Posted by raiderofOregon

If they're not interested in C-Wood, AND Howard wants 6 years 36 mil, i say no way. Too much money to pay him, and in trading woodson for a DE we further weaken an already weak secondary unless they are really seeing something in Nnamidi and Phillip as far as their ability to take over in the secondary this year.

I do however like the fact that we would get to dump C-Wood's 10.5 mil cap hit, this would allow us to sign our draft picks and sign a couple FA lb's.

we definitely shouldn't give them any more than charles though, in fact i think we should get howard and maybe a 3rd round pick for charles

6 year 36 mil hell we paid more than that for old man sapp, at least howard is young and good!! but a 16million signing bonus...

[RandytheRaider]

trade buchanon for howard...and trade charles woodson for draft picks and we're set