Raiders Fill Roster as Training Camp Preparations Get Underway
Oakland, CA (Pre-Training Camp) – A new football season looms for the NFL as teams prepare for their training camps, with the first set to open in just under a week. The Raiders are no exception as GM Barrett Blade firmed up the roster with a number of signings and releases.
The first order of business for Blade was to try and sign the drafted players to contracts before training camp started, which he was able to do. “It was very important that we get our rookies under contract and in camp on time,” said Blade. “They have a lot to learn, and every opportunity for them to work with our staff, and with the other players, is going to benefit them tremendously. Every moment of instructional time is crucial, and we are very happy that they will be here from the start.”
Three of the seven draft picks were signed to four year contracts, while the other four players were signed to three year contracts. The Raiders’ first round pick, RB Erik Kuehler, was the last to sign, collecting $8.81 million overall for four years, including a $3.88 million signing bonus. “I am just glad to be here,” said Kuehler. “I want to get out there and show the team what I can do, and learn all that I can. It is going to be a lot of fun to be able to talk to the coaches, to Mr. Jordan, and to Mr. Brown, and become a better player. This is going to be exciting.”
The other players to sign four year deals were FB Alvin Grier ($4.53 million) and DT Frankie Grzecki ($2.97 million). Signing three year deals were CB Quinn Foley ($3.6 million), WR Keith Distel ($1.91 million), K Herb Mallory ($1.37 million), and TE Deon Rackers ($1.34 million).
Blade was also hard at work to fill in other holes in the roster by signing a number of free agents. With the loss of starting SS Derrick Gibson, Blade signed S Tank Williams to a two year contract worth $1.43 million to compete for the starting job. Williams played in all sixteen games for the Tennessee Titans last season, though did not start any of them, and collected 33 tackles and 6 assists, with no interceptions. Critics feel that the team may be reaching by signing Williams with the hope of him becoming a starter.
“We feel that Tank is a good safety in this league, and can become a very strong player if given the opportunity,” said Raiders Head Coach Brent Marlin. “He will be given that chance here, and we feel that he will blossom. He is great in coverage, and can make receivers think twice about coming over the middle on him.”
Recognizing that there were a few more holes in the projected starting line-up, Blade went out and signed T Mike Williams (3 years, $4.24 million) and DE Ryan Denney (3 years, $3.72 million). Williams started in fifteen games for the Buffalo Bills last season and was accused of allowing more sacks than the team felt comfortable with (11 sacks allowed). Denney also played with the Bills last season, seeing action in 13 games in a limited role. He collected 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks during the season.
“We are very excited to have Mike and Ryan here,” said Blade. “These guys bring a lot of pure talent to the team. Mike was the fourth overall pick in 2002, and brings a ton of size to our line (6-6, 375 pounds). He was judged unfairly last season, based on how bad the Buffalo offensive line was. He is going to bring a lot to our line. As for Ryan, we feel that we have stolen a pure pass rusher. The guy is amazing in how explosive he is when hunting for the quarterback. We really feel that he is going to be something special.”
The Raiders made a somewhat surprising move with the signing of free agent QB Kyle Boller. Boller was the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens last season, playing in 15 games, and earned player of the game awards five times. However, his quarterback rating of 71.8, and his 16 interceptions, prompted the Ravens to finally let him go. Boller signed a three year contract with the Raiders worth $5.26 million.
“When looking at our roster, we felt that a major weak point was at the quarterback position,” said Blade. “Kerry Collins is fantastic, but if he should go down, we do not have anyone who could fill in right away. Kyle brings that to our team. Oakland will be a good experience for him because he will be able to settle in without the pressure of having to lead the team. He will be able to grow without eyes constantly on him.”
The Raiders made three more signings to add depth to the roster, picking up former Broncos’ G Dwayne Carswell (2 years, $1.66 million), former Tampa Bay LB Marquis Cooper (2 years, $1.02 million), and former Lions’ LB Wali Rainer (1 year, $720,000). They also resigned S Damien Robinson to a one year contract worth $720,000. To make room for the new players, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, RB Zack Crockett, and WR Alvis Whitted were released.
Up next is training camp for the Raiders, and all eyes will be on the many new players in the silver and black.