Free-agency Begins

[RaiderInNY]

What’s Going On?
Free-Agent Frenzy Begins; Raiders take aim at Gibril Wilson
Friday, February 29, 2008
By Victor Cotto Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist


Tommy Kelly will remain a Raider

The frenzy that is NFL free agency has begun, and the Oakland Raiders have embarked on their shopping spree by keeping some of their talent.

Just a few weeks ago, Justin Fargas inked a three-year, $12 million contract that included $6 million guaranteed in 2008. Fargas could earn as much as $14 million by reaching some performance incentives, this after coming off a career season on the final year of his initial rookie contract.

This week, Oakland splurged, signing 27-year old defensive lineman Tommy Kelly to a lucrative seven-year deal worth $50.5 million – including $18.125 million in guarantees.

Kelly was enjoying his best season as a pro – at defensive end – during his walk year. A season ending knee injury was a big blow to the defensive line, but not to his ability to cash in on his development.

The undrafted free-agent in 2004 parlayed his play and possible interest in the free-agent waters into a deal that will make him the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL – a position the Raiders expect him to play in 2008.

Departures on this first day of free agency included Jerry Porter, who ended his eight-year career in Silver & Black by signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Porter, 29, was expected to finalize his $30 million contract later on Friday, making him the ‘go to’ target for David Garrard. Porter was Oakland’s second-round pick in 2000, compiling 284 career catches for 3,339 yards and 30 touchdowns during that span, but drawing the ire of fans as his tenure wound down.

The vocal receiver was inactive for the majority of the 2006 campaign after Art Shell came on to coach the club. The relationship soured Porter and after a productive 2007 in which he had 44 receptions for 705 yards and six touchdowns for the Raiders 31st ranked pass attack, he exercised the right to void his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.

Reports also indicate that Chris Clemons will land in Philadelphia after racking up 8-sacks in 2007 for the Raiders. At 26, the defensive end is looking to take advantage of a career season in a market that is always starved for young pass rushers. The Raiders were expected to send offers out to Clemons and his agent, but after the Kelly deal and with other suitors pricing Oakland out of their range, Clemons became too rich of a commodity for the Silver & Black to retain.

Josh McCown, a starter for most of the season at quarterback has reportedly departed to Miami. The Dolphins lost Cleo Lemon earlier on the day and have no clear cut starter going into the 2008 season.

The Raiders will release left tackle Barry Sims – the longest-tenured Raider – a move expected due to the $2.5 million roster bonus he was in line for in the coming days.

Raiderfans.net sources report that former San Francisco 49er Kwame Harris could be the replacement for Sims. Harris is expected to be a better fit in the Raiders zone-blocking scheme after struggling in his early days as a 49er.

Sources also tell Raiderfans.net that Gibril Wilson is close to becoming a member of the Silver & Black. The Raiders are expected to play him next to Micheal Huff and add a ball-hawk in the secondary with play-making abilities.

Wilson has been known to be a big hitter, an attribute Raider fans yearned for in the Oakland defensive backfield for a few years now.

Raiderfans.net has also learned that the Raiders are targeting Bernard Berrian to improve their receiving unit as well as Donte Stallworth. Recently released defensive end Jevon Kearse has also drawn interest from the Raiders.

OUTLOOK:
Oakland overpaid to keep Kelly, but with the retirement of Warren Sapp and the possible bidding wars for his services, keeping him was a must. Kelly and Terdell Sands in back-to-back off-seasons have banked on big deals. Oakland will need major production out of both in order to get a return in their investments. Defensive line help will still be a priority the remainder of free-agency and as draft time approaches.

Sims was a solid contributor for years. But Oakland needed more stability at left tackle. Whether Harris could provide that is a major question mark. Sims’ years may be underrated, as he was a solid citizen, a player ready to restructure his contract to help the team and provide steady play during the Raiders three-year reign atop the AFC West when he protected Rich Gannon. Those days are over for Sims. But you cannot discredit his tenure in Oakland and contributions. With a young quarterback ready to take the reigns of the offense – Oakland better find a suitable replacement at a key spot along the offensive line.

McCown may have had all the perfect attributes for a back-up, but his chance to play elsewhere was more enticing. His departure leaves Oakland thin at quarterback and in search of a passer ready to embrace a back-up role behind JaMarcus Russell.

Porter was ready to bolt as evidenced by his decision to opt out at seasons end. The receiving unit did not have a lot of pop to it in 2007. And now, it really needs a major upgrade. Berrian is the best of available target out of a weak class of wide-outs. He has all the abilities that will match-up with Russell’s skills. Oakland is expected to talk to Berrian soon, and if he comes in for a visit, he must not leave without a contract.

[Raiderrooter]

As usual the Raiders seem like they have no clear cut plan and I can't see FA coming here no matter how much money they throw at them. If Al has a plan I wish he would clue us fan's in a little because right now it seems we don't have one.

[LOUISVILLE R8R]

Thanks Vic. Nice write up as always.

[the_new_Jerry]

Thanks, Victor... I wish McCown was coming back.. I just like his style.

[hwnrdr]

Thanks for the read. We are attacking the free agency hard...we let go Porter, Simms, Mccown, and Clemons... I hope all ends well in Raider land

[JRaider17]

For once I'm happy with the approach we have at FA. It seems we are actually addressing positions of need and where we are weak. For once, it looks like we are trying to win.

[MileHighRaider]

Great write up!

This is shaping up to be a very exciting off season. With plenty more to come. Appreciate the updates!

[MT Raider]

Great write up, thanks

I will miss Sims, I thought he gave his all here and was a good guy to boot. I really thought that Porter had great potential and I think had the Raiders, especially Shell, handled him differently, he could have been a real impact player for us. Oh well, at least McClown is gone

[ibldsilverblack]

great write up, I'm hoping are additions to the Line will help, and I hope Kwame adapts well to the ZBS, and tap his first round quality play...As we get closer to having a winning record...Here's hoping we sign some big name WR or drafting our playmakers!

[YBIC St3v3n]

I will miss Clemons because he played with intensity and a young pass rusher is always difficult to replace.

[elvistcb]

We inked Wilson today, I am glad that NO FAs want to come to the Nation!!!!

[JFF]

Nice work, Vic.

[MANDINGO]

nice read. i'll miss simms.