Raiders take two steps forward, one back

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Sunday, February 22, 2009  |  Comments( 16 )

Oakland Raiders
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While Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders have come under intense scrutiny in recent years, things looked to have taken a turn for the better in the Bay Area. However, after locking up two of their key players, the Raiders suffered yet another blunder with the release of a significant contributor.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha’s three-year, $45 million contract is considered inflated by most NFL executives, but the bottom like is that he’s staying in Oakland. Given the Raiders’ struggles of late, it’s no surprise the organization has to pay a higher premium to keep its top performers around.

Prior to 2006, Asomugha -- an ex-first-round pick -- failed to live up to his draft status. But during that monster 2006 campaign, Asomugha picked off eight passes and made 19 pass deflections. Since then, Asomugha has come up with just one interception the past two seasons. That's deceiving, though, as opposing quarterbacks do their best to avoid Asomugha's side of the field each week.

In addition to Asomugha, Oakland re-signed punter Shane Lechler last week. In an underestimated move, the Raiders will continue to have a leg up on field position. Lechler finished in the top two in punting in each of the last six seasons and has a career average of 46.8 yards per boot. Although it came at a premium, $16 million over four years, punters are becoming a coveted weapon and Oakland has assured itself services from one of the league’s best.

Despite the positives outlined above, the release of safety Gibril Wilson is somewhat puzzling. Wilson was signed to a lucrative contract last offseason and did nothing to disappoint during his first year in Oakland, racking up 129 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. Sure, the Raiders overpaid Wilson initially, but that has become second nature to the Oakland front office. While the obvious assumption is that this was a cap-related move, it will only save the Raiders $1.4 million in space in 2009.

Oakland also decided to part ways with wide receiver Ronald Curry and defensive end Kalimba Edwards. Both are capable players who provided solid depth at their respective positions. Curry had a down year in 2008 but displayed his abilities in the previous two seasons, reeling in 55-plus catches on both occasions. The Raiders may have been better suited releasing unproductive and injury-prone wideout Javon Walker. Edwards was coming off a career-high 48 tackles and added five sacks.

While this offseason has already seen some good and some bad, the fun is just beginning. The upcoming free-agency period and the draft should confirm which direction the Raiders are ultimately headed.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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CommentsComments: 16  |  Sign Up  View all comments
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No.1
svduran1		02:03 AM
02/23/2009
Sports Xchange slamming Wilson for being a main offender in missed tackles. This move saves $4.9 million roster bonus due in ...
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No.2
svduran1		02:14 AM
02/23/2009
Crabtree said. "It's an old injury I've been having. I've never had any pain in it. I will run my 40 and after I do that, I'm ...
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No.3
The Shape		04:42 AM
02/23/2009
This is called trimming the fat or should I say waste of money. Al pissed away his money last year with these high priced guys ...
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