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July 23, 2008

Nnamdi personality shows

No reporter likes to have his Myspace, Facebook or email time interupted with work (well, no one does, right?).

But the news Nnamdi Asomugha decided to sign the one-year franchise tender is only shocking in that he didn't do it sooner.

Asomugha isn't the kind of guy that likes to be a distraction. He isn't big on speaking to the media, even when he's doing well.

All of the charity work he does? You have to pry and plead to find out about it. And even then, he won't take credit for the work he does.

When I first found out about Asomugha taking some youngsters on a fishing trip, he insisted I speak with everyone except him.

That's just the way he is.

So when word came that he didn't plan to report to camp on time, I was surprised.

I understand the business of football. Franchise players holding out is their way of punishing the team for franchising them.

But the Raiders are lucky to have someone like Asomugha.

In the end, he decided not to miss camp, but get to work now.

He did so without the team promising not to franchise him next year.

If the Raiders do right be Asomugha at the end of the season, this won't be an issue because the team will take care of Asomugha at the end of the season.

He cannot sign a long-term deal until the end of the season, but his agent, Steve Baker, and the Raiders can continue to talk.

--Jason Jones

Nnamdi checks in

Did cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha decide to cut his vacation short?

The NFL Network is reporting Asomguha reported to Raiders camp today and signed his one-year franchise tender for $9.765 million.

All indications were Asomugha planned not to report for the start of training camp, but would sign in time for the regular season.

--Jason Jones

Reporting day

NAPA - The Raiders began checking in today for the start of training camp.

Players don't officially need to be here until tomorrow in time for a team meeting. Practice is at 3 p.m.

RB LaMont Jordan remains away at the request of the team. This is against league rules so there needs to be a resolution ASAP. If not, Jordan's agent will likely file a grievance unless Jordan is traded or released.

The team also told Jordan to stay from last month's mandatory minicamp.

*CB Nnamdi Asomugha isn't here and likely won't be anytime soon. Until he signs his franchise tender worth $9.765 million, he doesn't have to be in camp.

CB DeAngelo Hall thinks Asomugha will be fine whenever he shows up.

"I don't think it's going to hurt him too much," Hall said. "Obviously, we would love to see him here. We would love to build chemistry with him but we understand the business side of things too."

There was no comment from the team on those matters. Lane Kiffin isn't scheduled to address the media until tomorrow at noon.

*DE Derrick Burgess on whether it's exciting to see everyone again:

"It's part of the job. I get sick of seeing these (expletives) after three days, you know what I'm saying?"

It's nice seeing you too, Derrick.

*Rookie DE Trevor Scott (sixth-round pick) said he got his contract done signed about 10:30 a.m. He arrived on the bus that brought several rookies and a few veterans.

WR Arman Shields (fourth round) also signed today.

*S Greg Wesley arrived and has revenge on his mind.

He didn't like the way he was treated in Kansas City when he lost his starting job. Wesley said he is still an impact player.

"That was their choice to try to go young in Kansas City," Wesley said. "Unfortunately they didn't get rid of me, but they had chances to trade me, they had offers that they didn't want to take. And one of the reasons why is because they didn't want to trade me to the division. So I can't control their choice of starting a younger guy over me. It wasn't a competition. They just gave the position to him. And I'm here to show it's still there, it ain't went nowhere."
*Former NFL head coach and oft-mentioned Raiders coaching candidate and former assistant Jim Fassel is here as a guest of head coach Lane Kiffin.

Fassel had double knee-replacement surgery about 2 ½ months ago, but had no problem getting in a workout Wednesday afternoon.

Fassel's son, John, is a quality control assistant for special teams for the Raiders.

"He was a ball boy when I was coaching here," Jim said. "It's kind of fun for him. He really likes it here. He likes the staff. He likes everything here, he really does. So, I was really happy for him."

*RB Darren McFadden arrived. He managed to duck into the Marriott while media was speaking with Hall.

--Jason Jones

LaMont's not welcome

So much for a basic day of reporting to training camp.

The Raiders have told former starting running back LaMont Jordan not to come to report today in Napa.

The only problem is the team can't do that.

The Raiders have to let Jordan participate, cut him or trade him. Former Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair won a grievance against the Titans a couple of years ago when the Titans barred him from working out.

I caught up with Jordan's agent, Alvin Keels. He said no trade is in place. He would know because of Jordan's contract.

Jordan is due $4.7 million in salary this season. A team could trade for him and agree to take on Jordan's salary or restructure the deal.

Keels can file a grievance to allow Jordan to practice. He's working to have this resolved in the next 24 hours.

The Raiders let this situation get to this point by not releasing Jordan last November when he asked to be let go and then going the whole offseason without making a move.

Because of his salary, teams are reluctant to trade for Jordan, assuming he'll be released. Jordan visited Detroit, but nothing materialized from the trip.

Perhaps something will happen soon. But wasn't Jordan supposed to be cut June 1?

As the Raiders turn...

--Jason Jones

The young vet

Many pundits will classify JaMarcus Russell as a rookie because he missed all of training camp last year and played for extended stretches only twice in four games last season.

While Russell is far from seasoned, calling him a rookie diminishes what he's done since joining the Raiders, particularly in the offseason.

Russell is the leader of the offense. Teammates have grown to respect him and the qualities that made him the No. 1 choice in the 2007 NFL Draft are beginning to show.

Unlike a rookie, Russell has the benefit of a full offseason working with his teammates and the coaching staff. The playbook isn't new. He's not adjusting to living in a new place. And though he played in only four games, those games were more valuable than playing in a preseason game with rookies surrounding him.

So even in his first training camp, Russell should be fairly comfortable, even if he doesn't know his way around the Napa Valley Marriott.

Russell will need to test his growth against live action. That means around the third preseason game (when the regulars tend to play the most) we'll have an idea of how much he's learned.

There will be the bumps that come with being a young quarterback. But I don't expect to see Russell look like he did in Jacksonville last year when he threw interceptions and looked befuddled at times.

After all, he looked like a rookie that day.

Quarterback preview

Russell: Must continue to how maturity in his decisions on the field.

Marques Tuiasosopo: Back with the Raiders after a year in New York. Could supplant Andrew Walter as the No. 2 quarterback if he shows some of the traits that made Lane Kiffin fall for Josh McCown. Tui has the mobility, and might be a better athlete than McCown. And Tui's passes looked good in OTAs. It will also help that he's back in an offense that fits his skills.

Walter: The guy everyone has to feel for. He was a piñata in 2006 and buried on the bench last year except for being thrown on the field in a blowout in Green Bay because Kiffin didn't want to expose Russell to the cold. He would have loved to have been traded last year.

Sam Keller: A "camp arm" that could find his way onto the practice squad. He knows about the West Coast offense after playing at Nebraska under Bill Callahan.

Jeff Otis: Back for a second year as a camp arm.

Wesley on board

The Raiders confirmed the signing of safety Greg Wesley. Receiver Will Buchanon was waived to make room for Wesley on the roster.

No word on what's going on with LaMont Jordan. As of now, he'll be reporting with the rest of the team today.

Players are scheduled to begin arriving about 2 p.m.

--Jason Jones

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July 22, 2008

Who will JaMarcus play catch with?

The Raiders' passing game was really bad last year.

The explosive offense Lane Kiffin promised was more like a dud.

The Raiders ranked 31st in passing offense and tied for 24th with on 17 touchdown passes. Raider quarterbacks threw 20 interceptions.

Much to the chagrin of players, Kiffin openly criticized the personnel at receiver.

Most notable was his lament after the Raiders lost to Chicago and he complained of using three-receiver sets and the Bears didn't even bother to go to a nickel defense to adjust.

Meanwhile, Randy Moss was in New England setting records and being everything the Raiders' passing game wasn't - dynamic, explosive, etc.

It's impossible to pick a player to watch at receiver. The reality is all of them have something to prove this season.

The only option in the passing game with little to worry about is Zach Miller, who should catch more than 50 passes is he's not forced to stay in and pass block.

The play of the receivers is directly tied to the development of JaMarcus Russell and whether Kiffin proves to be an offensive genius or if the passing game is just offensive.

Tight end preview

John Madsen: A former college receiver that should be used to create mismatches. For whatever reason on a team lacking receivers last year, Kiffin didn't turn to Madsen nearly enough.

Miller: He's a future Pro Bowl player if he's not pass blocking.

Tony Stewart: Special teams player.

Darrell Strong: Undrafted rookie that might be practice squad material.

Chris Wagner: See above statement regarding Strong.

Fred Wakefield: Blocking tight end that might also play defensive end. He looks to be healthy after tearing his ACL during last year's training camp.

Receiver preview

Will Buchanon: Preseason star in 2006 was cut during last year's training camp.

Drew Carter: Free agent that has already developed a good rapport with Russell. Considering the health issues with Javon Walker, Carter might prove to be the best addition to the group. He came to the Raiders, in part, to play for new receivers coach James Lofton. Carter also fits the bits the prototype of what kind receiver Kiffin likes.

Ronald Curry: Is he a No. 1 receiver? Better as a slot receiver? Quarterbacks love him because Curry is a former QB and has a knack for finding the right spot on third downs. He's coming off surgery to remove bone spurs that he said hindered him last season. He averaged 13 yards a catch, a career best, in 2007.

Johnnie Lee Higgins: Has a lot to prove as a receiver, but he must be given the chance. One of the mistakes of last season was playing Tim Dwight when Higgins could have gained experience as a rookie.

Johnathan Holland: A seventh-round draft pick last year that never played after being injured after the draft.

Drisan James: A practice squad player from 2007.

Chris McFoy: Played for Kiffin at USC and spent part of last season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster.

Jonathan Orr: Cut from the practice squad last year and listed on the NFL.com roster, but not on the Raiders.com roster.

Marcel Reece: Could be this year's surprise player. Earned a contract after starring in the team's rookie camp and has the size to play some tight end. He's a player that could create match up problems with his athleticism.

Chaz Schilens: A seventh-round pick that looked good in offseason workouts. Has good size and speed and has a good chance of making the team.

Arman Shields: Coming off a knee injury in college, the fourth-round pick was limited by a hamstring injury during offseason workouts.

Javon Walker: Where to begin? The knee surgery last year before the Raiders gave him an $11 million signing bonus or that same knee was operated on in 2005? That Kiffin took every chance to say Walker was out of shape?

And that was before Walker was beaten and robbed in Las Vegas and suffered a fractured jaw and orbital bone last month.

Walker is the classic "high risk, high reward" signing. If he's healthy, Walker is the best receiver on the team. But the Walker that was Pro Bowl player in Green Bay back in 2004 hasn't been on the field in some time.

Walker had a decent season with Denver in 2006, but he needs to show that he's over the effects of the knee injury and injuries from Las Vegas. There are also the mental hurdles some believe Walker is dealing with since the death of teammate of Darrent Williams, Jan. 1, 2007.

Todd Watkins: Seemed to catch everything during OTAs and Kiffin likes production. He will have to keep that up in the preseason to have a chance of making the team.

--Jason Jones

Raiders add Wesley

Reports have the Raiders agreeing to a one-year deal with safety Greg Wesley, who was recently cut by Kansas City.

With Gibril Wilson's signing, the drafting of Tyvon Branch and the return of Jarrod Cooper, I don't see the need for another safety. Don't forget Michael Huff is still on the team, too.

Best case is Wesley is somehow reborn in Oakland and makes the team and is still a hard hitter.

Worst case is Wesley is this year's Donovin Darius - a veteran who is past his prime that the Raiders bring in to see that fact in person.

Wesley lost his starting job last season and fell further on the depth chart when the Chiefs drafted safety DaJuan Morgan.

--Jason Jones

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July 21, 2008

It could be Grove's time

Jake Grove and Robert Gallery were drafted in 2004 to be the foundation of the Raiders' offensive line.

After a few false starts, figuratively and literally, Gallery has found a home at left guard. No, he won't be the Pro Bowl left tackle the Raiders envisioned when he was the second overall pick in 2004.

This is the year for Jake Grove to emerge as a consistent performer on the offensive line at center.

Grove's strengths were said to be his athleticism and sound technique, both of which make him an ideal fit for the zone-blocking scheme offensive line coach Tom Cable teaches.

His weakness was a lack of strength that made it difficult for him to deal with large nose tackles. That's a big reason Grove didn't beat out Jeremy Newberry for the starting job last year.

Grove missed much of last season with a knee injury and wasn't taking part in the offseason workouts on the field. But any strength concerns appear to be alleviated.

Grove is noticeably bigger in the upper body, thanks to new strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll.

And Grove should be motivated in camp.

Newberry is gone, but the Raiders brought in another veteran center in the offseason, former Tampa Bay starter John Wade. There's also Chris Morris on the roster.

But I like Grove's chances. He played well in place of Newberry last year. And it looks like he's strong enough to handle the challenge.

Offensive line preview

C Jesse Boone: Spent all of 2007 on the practice squad, sucker punched by Warren Sapp after a training camp scrape last year.

Grove: Played in a career-low seven game last year with only two starts.

Morris: Not really big or strong so he might be a perfect fit in the system.

Wade: Started all 16 games for Tampa Bay the last three years.

G Cooper Carlisle: Probably the most consistent of the returning linemen.

Gallery: Team likes his mean streak, but wants to see him cut down on his penalties.

G Brandon Rodd: Undrafted rookie will probably handle scout team work and hope to make the practice squad.

T Cornell Green: Started 10 games before an injury ended his season. Had only eight starts his entire career before joining the Raiders. He needs to cut down on the false start penalties.

T: Kwame Harris: Free agency brought the oft-maligned former 49er across the Bay. He's expected to be the starting left tackle, so he and Gallery can share stories of being labeled busts during their careers while changing position coaches regularly. The idea of playing for Cable helped lure Harris, who Gallery would surely vouch for. If anyone can get the best out of Harris, it's Cable.

T Mario Henderson: Lane Kiffin said Henderson isn't physical. It's also been said he struggles with his confidence. He and Green will battle for the starting right tackle job and will need to fix both of those issues to win the job.

T Paul McQuistan: Filled in at right tackle for Green last year, but the Raiders appear intent on giving Henderson every chance to win the job from Green. McQuistan can also play guard.

T Seth Wand: Signed last year to add depth after Green went down. He'll be in a fight to make the team.

T Mark Wilson: Spent most of last season on the practice squad before being elevated for the season finale. If he can play both tackle spots, that would enhance his chances of making the team.

--Jason Jones

Working at the Hotel

Former personnel executive Mike Lombardi isn't a popular person around Raiders headquarters.

Lombardi was fired shortly after the draft in 2007 and spent last season with Denver. Since being fired he has been blamed by some (fairly or unfairly) affiliated with the organization with poor personnel decisions.

Lombardi was the "fox" leaking information to the media Art Shell talked about in 2006.

But that doesn't stop me from being intrigued by his insights in to the Raiders or as he calls the organization the Hotel California.

The Raiders are tight-lipped about their operation. That means insight usually comes from former employees who speak freely, no longer in fear of drawing the ire of Al Davis.

Lombardi is now a contributor to Sportsillustrated.com and has his own site, http://www.lombardionfootball.com/

Lombardi addresses the NFL as a whole, but his insights to the Raiders are always pointed and often mesh with what's being said by others off the record.

Lombardi was on Jim Rome's radio show this morning and discussed the Raiders, among other NFL-related topics.

Rome asked with the "dictatorship" situation that surrounds Raider head coaches, who would be the ideal coach for the team.

Lombardi's response was that Al Davis should do what he really wants to do.

"There's only one person that should coach (the Raiders) and that's the owner," Lombardi said.

Lombardi believes Lane Kiffin lost credibility with the players by trying to exert power he didn't really have.

Lombardi said the Raiders' inability to honestly evaluate its own talent cost the team Super Bowl berths in 2001 and 2001.

Good teams are constantly bringing in players to upgrade all positions (think New England, Indianapolis, San Diego) while, as Lombardi points out, other teams don't do that because someone likes a player.

And when it comes to the Raiders we all know who the "someone" is holding on to a player based on what he did in college, 40 time, etc.

These are the "scholarship" players that have been on Raider rosters for years when many wonder what they are doing to justify being on the team.

Lombardi joined the Raiders in 1999 and called the first four years "fairly normal." He said things went bad after the team traded for Randy Moss.

Lombardi added Bill Callahan going into 2003 as a lame duck coach ruined the season.

All of these decisions come back to one man: Davis.

On his site, Lombardi decries the Raiders reported interest in Greg Wesley, saying he can't run or cover anymore.

Lombardi doesn't mention Davis by name, but "HIM" isn't referring to the janitor.

All (Wesley) will do is take "Someone's" money (which he loves to spend now) and not play. Do you think they remember Donovan Darius at the Hotel? Another favorite of "Someone".

Might Lombardi be angry about how things ended in Oakland? Yes.

But that doesn't make his opinions less relevant.

And I imagine he'll continue to be open about that now that he doesn't work for a certain "someone."

Niners in Napa

I listened to the 49ers conference call with coach Mike Nolan and GM Scot McCloughan today for Matt Barrows.

Here's the update on the joint practice reported last week.

"We've discussed it with them but as right now it hasn't been etched in stone," Nolan said. "... It would just be practice and not a scrimmage. And if we did it, it would be up at their place in Napa. And it would not be an open event. All their practices are closed."

--Jason Jones

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July 20, 2008

FYI

Today's training camp preview story mentioned the Raiders report on Thursday. They actually report on Wednesday.

My bad.

I'm back to watching John Cena vs. JBL.

--Jason Jones

Getting the most out of Jano's kicks

After the rocky relationship special teams coach Ted Daisher had with just about everyone on the Raiders roster in 2006, Brian Schneider was like a cool drink of water on hot day.

The Raiders coverage units were much improved. Shane Lechler punted his way to another Pro Bowl.

Now it's time for Schneider, who replaced Daisher last year, to work his magic with Sebastian Janikowski.

In some ways, this is an impossible task.

Aside from making every field goal and putting every kickoff in the endzone, there's probably nothing Janikowski will ever do to justify being a first-round pick.

What Janikowski can be is consistent.

With the Raiders likely to rely a lot on the running game and playing with a quarterback with limited experience, Janikowski will probably have to boot a few 50 yarders for the Raiders to win games and hope Mike Shanahan isn't around to call timeouts.

Janikowski hasn't gotten close to topping the 89.3 percent of field goals he made back in 2004. His best since that career year was 72 percent.

That needs to be closer to 80 percent in 2008. Janikowski was solid on kickoffs. He tied his career-best 22 touchbacks. The 22.5 average allowed on kickoffs tied the second lowest average of his career.

He averaged 65.1 yards per kickoff, second best of his career.

So it's evident Schneider has helped Janikowski. But the area everyone cares most about is field goals made.

That's where Janikowski must be at his best because until the offense clicks, he might be the best offense.

Special teams preview:

Lechler: The game's best punter.

Janikowski: Will Lane Kiffin ask him to make kicks from more than 60 yards?

PR Johnnie Lee Higgins: Showed flashes of being able to be a good punt returner. He also showed a habit of fumbling on returns, too. The job is his if he can hold on to the ball.

KR Tyvon Branch: This job might be Higgins' to start, but Branch should get a chance to win the job as a rookie. He was one of the nation's best at UConn last year. He will also have a chance to be a gunner on punt coverage.

S Jarrod Cooper: The emotional leader of the special teams. He's an aggressive tackler that thrives on the coverage units as a gunner. When he went down with a knee injury, the punt coverage suffered and Lechler had punts returned for touchdowns against him for the first time in his career.

LB Isaiah Ekejiuba: Another leader on special teams that can go overlooked. Extremely smart and understands where he needs to be at all times.

LS Jon Condo: Didn't hear a whole lot about him last year and that's a good thing. He was a linebacker in college and that made him an asset in covering punts.

Another safety?

Profootballtalk.com reported the Raiders will meet with veteran safety Greg Wesley who was recently released by Kansas City.

That would fall in line with what Kiffin likes to do. Bring in a player for competition's sake and see what happens.

He's played free and strong safety.

--Jason Jones

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July 18, 2008

Looming question at running back

The Raiders have an abundance of running backs.

So why is LaMont Jordan still among them? I know the Raiders aren't holding on to him so that Jordan and I can continue discussing WWE highlights.

Jordan has been granted permission to seek a trade, but that's not likely to happen.

It's hard to trade a running back the rest of the NFL assumes will be released, especially when he's due $4.7 million in salary.

Jordan visited Detroit, but nothing has come of that.

The last time Jordan tried to report to work - June's mandatory minicamp - he was told not to step on the field.

Jordan hasn't wanted to be a Raider for some time and the team has made it clear it doesn't want him.

The Raiders have six days to figure this out.

But on to the running backs that will be welcomed to Napa next week.

The Raiders have to be excited about building on the running game that was sixth in the NFL last year.

And the team wasn't satisfied with that. The Raiders only added the best running back in the draft, Darren McFadden, to the mix.

The competition for time at running back will be touch. The youngsters will have to wrestle playing time away from incumbent Justin Fargas.

With coach Lane Kiffin expected to lean heavily on the road with a young JaMarcus Russell at quarterback, he should be able to keep at least three of the backs happy.

Running back preview

Michael Bush: Built like a linebacker, he can catch the ball well, too. Could be a short-yardage specialist as he returns to the field for the first time since breaking his leg Sept. 2006 while playing for Louisville.

Adimchinobe Echemandu: Training camp star in 2007 was released to make room for Dominic Rhodes last season. Could make the team again and be a special teams contributor.

Fargas: Team MVP last year as players were inspired by his play. Figures to get the bulk of the carries and look to build on his solid 2007 season that ended with two games left because of sprained knee ligament.

Justin Griffith: The starting fullback is also an option in the passing game. He's skilled being the lead blocker in the zone-blocking scheme and carry the ball if needed.

Tony Jackson: Backup fullback is around to give the regulars a rest during camp and a long shot to make the team.

Jordan: Went from starter to afterthought last season.

: The fourth overall pick in the 2008 Draft is an early favorite to be the NFL Rookie of the Year. He's already signed and the team will get him the ball a lot hoping he adds an element the offense lacked last year - excitement.

Oren O'Neal: A punishing blocker that will push Griffith for playing time. He's also a key on special teams.

Louis Rankin: An undrafted rookie with good speed. He could get a chance to return kickoffs during the preseason.

--Jason Jones

Tags: Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan

Posted by Jason Jones

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July 17, 2008

Another pick signs

The Raiders announced the signing of seventh-round draft pick Chaz Schilens today.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound wide receiver was impressive during offseason workouts.

Schilens took advantage of more reps because rookie Arman Shields was injured and Ronald Curry missing time because of offseason surgery.

Lane Kiffin liked big receivers while coaching at USC, so Schilens has a chance of making the team.

Shields (fourth round) and DE Trevor Scott (sixth round) are the remaining unsigned rookies.

--Jason Jones

Tags: Chaz Schilens

Posted by Jason Jones

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Can Sands hold up in the middle?

Some of Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands' teammates like to joke about his size.

They say he's so big he doesn't need to use technique to stop the run. If he sticks his arm out and someone runs into it, they have no choice but to fall.

If only it were that simple.

If Sands technique isn't good, he never gets the chance to stick out that massive arm. Because if he doesn't play with good leverage, the 6-foot-7, 335-pound (if you really believe the roster weight) Sands' size means little.

Anyone can be blocked if they stand up too soon out of their stance and that was one of the problems with Sands last year.

There was a lot of hope he'd be the run-stuffing force he showed flashes of in 2006. He signed a four-year, $17 million deal in 2007, but wasn't close to being the player he was a year earlier.

Because of that, Sands was constantly being yanked in and out of games. He's the kind of player that gets better the long he's on the field.

The Raiders believe his conditioning is ahead of schedule after he missed much of the offseason program in 2007 dealing with personal issues.

The Raiders don't need Sands to be an every-down player. But they do need good technique.

And once he sticks his arm out, he better clobber people.

As for the defensive ends, it's all about Derrick Burgess.

I believe he'll be fine this season. He had only eight sacks and missed two games with a calf injury.

If Burgess is at his best, at least two opponents will need to monitor him in the passing game. That means the Raiders need to be able to get pressure up the middle and from the opposite defensive end to allow Burgess to do what he does best.

Also, at full strength, I expect Burgess to be solid against the run. That's an underrated part of his game.

Defensive line preview

Burgess: A team captain that is looking to dominate again. He had 27 sacks in 2005-06. Eight last season isn't shameful, but he'll want more in 2008.

DE Kalima Edwards: Typical Raider pickup. He's a talented player that has underachieved.

DE Derrick Gray: Undrafted rookie could end up on the practice squad.

DE Greyson Gunheim: Another undrafted rookie that could be a practice squad player.

DE Grant Irons: Was a linebacker last time he was a Raider, but is probably better suited on the line.

DE Jay Richardson: If his pass-rush skills continue to improve, he could start opposite Burgess and not come out in passing situations.

DE Trevor Scott: Rookie showed promise as a pass rusher in college after being moved from tight end.

DE Greg Spires: Veteran could help in passing situations immediately.

DT: William Joseph: Like Edwards, a high draft pick looking to prove he can be effective on a new team.

DT Tommy Kelly: Everyone knows about the contract worth $50.5 million. He needs to prove the ACL he tore is fully healed before worrying about proving he's worth the money.

DT Tranell Morant: Long shot to make the team with so much money invested in the position.

Sands: Shouldn't be blocked by one person if he plays right.

DT Josh Shaw: Could earn playing time if Sands doesn't play well.

DT Gerard Warren: Looked like the Raiders best defensive tackle until getting hurt during the bye week. He had four sacks in 12 games and figures to start next to Kelly.

--Jason Jones

Tags: Derrick Burgess, Terdell Sands

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July 15, 2008

Branch signs

The Raiders announced the signing of fourth-round draft pick Tyvon Branch today.

The safety from UConn is expected to help on special teams as a gunner and possibly as the primary kickoff returner.

That leaves WR Arman Shields (fourth round), defensive end Trevor Scott (sixth round) and WR Chaz Schilens (seventh round) as rookies waiting for their contracts to be completed.

--Jason Jones

Tags: Tyvon Branch

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A business decision

The deadline for a long-term contract came and went.

Nnamdi Asomugha is unsigned.

And it's going to stay that way for a while.

Don't fret Raider fans. Asomugha isn't planning a season-long boycott with $9.765 million waiting for him once he signs with the Raiders.

But when the Raider report to training camp in Napa on July 23, I wouldn't suggest bringing your child that's looking for an Asomugha autograph.

Players don't have many ways of showing their displeasure with being franchised.

In the business of the NFL, that's done by not signing the franchise offer in time for training camp.

Asante Samuel did that last year and still played at a Pro Bowl level for New England. He signed on Aug. 28. But the Patriots agreed not to franchise him again if he hit performance benchmarks.

And the Raiders aren't going to surrender the right to keep Asomugha next season. I don't fault the franchise for doing that.

Franchising Asomugha in 2009 would guarantee him almost $12 million in salary. So he'd make approximately $22 million for two seasons and then hit free agency in 2010.

Asomugha is a professional that won't show up out of shape. He's not angry with the coaching staff or that the Raiders will pay him almost $10 million in 2008.

But if the Raiders won't agree not to franchise him next year, he knows he could be going into 2009 on another one-year contract.

This is the only leverage the player has in this situation.

And it's not personal, just the business of the NFL.

--Jason Jones

Tags: Nnamdi Asomugha

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Don't expect an Asomugha deal

Back from my last brief vacation of the offseason...

Today's 1 p.m. deadline is expected to pass without exclusive franchise player Nnamdi Asomugha agreeing to a multi-year contract with the Oakland Raiders.

After the deadline passes, Asomugha can only sign a one-year deal with the Raiders.

Why hasn't Asomugha rushed to sign the one-year franchise tender is what I'm often asked.

But why should he?

When the Raiders made Asomugha an exclusive franchise player, it meant he couldn't negotiate with other teams.

So Asomugha's agent, Steve Baker, could not go to the Raiders and say "Team X is offering $XX million over X years" to try to get a deal done.

Sure, teams can look at other players' deals, but it's not like knowing what another team would pay your player.

So the Raiders are bidding against themselves.

So the only leverage Asomugha has really had is not to sign the tender.

Nothing has developed yet, so it looks like Asomugha will get almost $10 million in salary next year, with the possibility of being franchised again in 2009.

But there's still an hour before the deadline. Do you believe in miracles? If so, something might happen.

I'll check back in later.

--Jason Jones

Tags: Nnamdi Asomugha

Posted by Jason Jones

12:00 PM | Comments |

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