The Raiders have made a very big trade today by bring in Five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour from the New England Patriots. In return, the Patriots will receive the Raiders’ first round draft pick in 2011.
Bill Belichick released a statement confirming the move.
Seymour was in the final year of the four-year extension he signed in 2006. He was due to make $3.685 million. He is expected to receive an a new contract from the Raiders either immediately or in the near future to lock him up long term.
This is huge news for Raider fans who were up in arms about the Raiders’ lack of solid defensive ends and lackluster defensive tackles. Seymour can play either position depening on whether lining up in a 3-4 of a 4-3. Currently the Raiders use a 4-3 but the thinking now is that the team may unveil the 3-4 from time to time as part of defensive coordinator, Jim Marshall’s new plan to install more blitz packages.
This would also explain the signing of Greg Ellis after Ellis had great success in the 3-4 with Dallas in recent years.
Seymour is 29 years old so he is still in his prime and could very well finish out his career as a Raider. A career that began in New England as the sixth overall pick in 2001. After which he started all but six games throughout an eight year run with the Patriots. During which, he made 460 tackles and 39 sacks (8 last season), 5 Pro Bowls and 3 Super Bowl titles*.
This trade means that one of the players that had escaped the cutdown list, will have to be released to make room on the roster for Seymour.
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