With all the news swirling and all the big names making their visits and rumors flying about where they could land, the Raiders have not been mentioned once.
The Bears, on the other hand, are taking an extremely aggressive approach to this year’s free agency. They jumped out early to court high profile free agent, Julius Peppers who has now signed with the team. Prior to that, they signed former Charger tight end, Brandon Manumaleuna and former Viking running back Chester Taylor. They initially showed interested in Cardinals recently released DB Antrel Rolle as well. That stove has since cooled but the Bears are being very aggressive this free agency so it could heat back up in the coming hours and days.
Free agent linebacker Gary Brackett quickly re-signed with the Colts and former Titan DE Kyle Vanden Bosch has signed with Detroit. Karlos Dansby said himself that his first visit will be Miami and he hopes it will be his only stop. Dante Robinson’s supposed most likely destination is Atlanta while Aaron Kampman is rumored to be heading to Seattle.
All of these first wave guys stand to sign huge contracts. But the Raiders are taking the same approach they did last off-season– wait and see. They appear to be letting the dust settle from the big name, big money fury and then sift through the rubble.
The Browns traded DT Corey Williams to the Lions for a low round pick. The Raiders could use a player like Williams but also just like last offseason, there was quite a few defensive tackles changing teams with the Raiders not taking part in any of those deals.
Here are a few players that were recently made available that the Raiders could be interested in should these players still be around come Monday:
NT Jamaal Williams- 12 year veteran Pro Bowler released by Chargers. Has had injury problems in recent seasons but could be worth a shot to compete for starting DT to replace recently released Gerard Warren for the Raiders.
QB Jake Delhomme- Released by Panthers who are committed to Matt Moore after placing a top tender on him. Could compete for a starting spot or backup position with the Raiders.
WR Antoine Randle El- Released by the Redskins in the ‘Skins salary dump. Still an electric player and has the kind of speed and elusiveness the Raiders desperately need in the return game.
WR Laveraneus Coles- Released by the Bengals. The Raiders still don’t have a dependable veteran presence at receiver. Unless Javon Walker actually plays at some point.
CB Fred Smoot- Also a part of the aforementioned ‘Skins salary dump. He is certainly worth a shot for the Raiders third or fourth cornerback spot. With Stanford Routt as the third corner and just John Bowie in reserve, the Raiders need at least one more guy.
CB Lito Shepherd- Released by Jets. Could be done but then again, he could still have a year or two left. Like Smoot, would be worth a shot for depth at corner.
NOTE: I will be updating this article throughout Friday and into the weekend.
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ALSO SEE:
Raider Free Agent Wishlist Defense
Raider Free Agent Wishlist Offense
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