Hey, Al, while you’re at it, please cut …

By Anthony Carroll  |   Friday, November 07, 2008  |  Comments( 151 )

Oakland Raiders
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

Just when it seems the Oakland Raiders franchise can’t become any more of a laughingstock, owner Al Davis goes and tops himself.

The reckless 79-year-old owner/general manager/puppet-master-to-the-head-coach made a $70 million “whoops!”

Davis sent 24-year-old cornerback DeAngelo Hall packing Wednesday after playing all of eight games with the Raiders this season. Hall was tied for seventh in the NFL with three interceptions this season, first among all cornerbacks in tackles with 48 and third among all defensive backs in passes defensed (16). The ex-Atlanta Falcons CB certainly, though, had more than his fair share of struggles. He was beat short; he was beat deep; he played foolishly.

Sure, a cut was warranted … at the END of the season.

It cost the Raiders two draft picks -- one second- and one fifth-rounder -- as well as a hefty $8 million signing bonus on top of his 2008 base salary to acquire Hall for all of eight games. It’s perhaps the most expensive half-season compensation in the history of football.

But because Davis has no problem cutting coaches and players midseason, here’s a list of some other Raiders who can take a hike and make room for a much-needed roster overhaul:

Javon Walker: Let’s do some math. (One $11 million signing bonus + another $5 million guaranteed) ÷ by 13 catches this season = $1,230,769 per reception. Another great signing, Al.

Ashley Lelie: He said he wants to play with Michael Vick. Go for it, somewhere else.

Kwame Harris: Let’s see, Harris has six starts, eight penalties and five sacks allowed. The total negative yardage because of the $16.3 million man: 93 yards. Yet again, a genius offseason acquisition.

Robert Gallery: I think it’s safe to say now … “bust!”

Cornell Green: After allowing four sacks in his first 51 NFL games, Green has given up 12½ in his last 18 games with Oakland. He’s also committed 13 of his 16 career penalties with the silver and black. A parting would be in the best interest for both parties.

Ronald Curry: It’s been fun. Seven years in Oakland, 182 grabs, 2,240 yards and 12 TDs. It’s too bad nobody can get him the ball anymore.

Marques Tuiasosopo: Bad memories. Leave … again.

Derrick Burgess: He can’t stay healthy (four games and 1½ sacks) and, frankly, it'd be better to let rookie Trevor Scott play at this point. It’s not like the Raiders are winning anyway, and Burgess isn’t getting any younger or better.

Terdell Sands: Sands is 6-foot-7, 335 pounds and can’t plug a hole if he sat on top of it. Every year, the Raiders rely on the mammoth to be the run-stuffing DT they need. Every year, the Raiders rank in the bottom of the NFL against the rush. Time to let the freeloader go (emphasis on “load”).

Sam Williams: Yes, he’s still on the team.

Tyler Brayton: No, he’s not on the team anymore. But cut him anyway to make up for the five years he somehow lasted on the team.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (151)

About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report