I'm back to work after a fun weekend in Southern California.
So it's time for the news of the day.
The Raiders released safety Stuart Schweigert in a move that i surprising to absolutely no one.
Schweigert knew he wasn't wanted and is probably happy to look for a chance to play elsewhere.
(On a side note, I'll miss our discussions on throwback jerseys that we both collect and any chance of talking trash about a potential Lakers-Pistons finals).
Schweigert played in 63 games for the Raiders with 42 starts. In many of those starts, he was the target of jeers when he missed tackles.
He wasn't the only player that struggled to take down ballcarriers, but as the last line of defense at free safety, he was usually the last player that missed the tackle.
He started 10 games before losing his job to Hiram Eugene after an injury. His tackling, or lack thereof, drew the ire of coaches and fans and Schweigert became expendable when the Raiders signed Gibril Wilson.
The Raiders have wanted to move Michael Huff to free safety for a while, but didn't think Schweigert would be able to play around the line of scrimmage as effectively.
With Wilson on the team, there was no need to pay Schweigert approximately $2.5 million to be a backup safety and special teams player.
The question now is: which Raider will all the fans love to hate now?
My guess is Kwame Harris if he struggles at all.
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The Atlanta Falcons just made Matt Ryan a very rich man.
The third overall choice in last month's draft agreed to a six-year, $72-million deal. Of that sum, $34.75 million is guaranteed.
The first overall pick, OT Jake Long received $30 million guaranteed, but signed for only five years.
One of the reasons Ryan's deal is worth more is because he's a quarterback. Quarterbacks generally receive more guaranteed money.
What does this mean for the Raiders?
Expect McFadden to command around $27 million guaranteed, which is what last year's No. 3 pick, OT Joe Thomas received.
If the total guarantee ends up around $25 million, that would make sense.
Also, with the first and third picks signed, there should be no reason for McFadden to be out of training camp.
Negotiations often don't' get serious until July, but why wait? Get the deal done ASAP.
--Jason Jones
@Nyx.CommentBody@