Hue Jackson confirmed free agent tight end Kevin Boss is working out with the Raiders today.
The Raiders unexpectedly lost Zach Miller to the Seattle Seahawks and need to plug the huge hole Miller leaves.
There is mutual interest and that is always a recipe for a marriage.
The Raiders signed free agent linebacker Darryl Blackstock. Blackstock is a self-proclaimed “RAIDER FAN 4 LIFE.”
Blackstock is 28 and previously played for the Bengals and Cardinals. He spent the 2010 season with the Florida Tuskers of the UFL and Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.
Blackstock was drafted in 2005 at the end of the third round by the Arizona Cardinals.
Blackstock instantly becomes a fan favorite, partially because he is a Raiders fan and partially because his name is Blackstock. He’ll have a tough time making the roster, but the fans will love him along the way.
Follow him on Twitter: @MrDBlackstock
According to a tweet by J.I. Halsell, Michael Huff received a contract worth $8 million per season over four years.
Update: Jerry McDonald reports more detail: $12 milion is in the form of guarantees. $7.315 million signing bonus, $685,000 base salary in 2011, $4 million base salary 2012-2014. The 2012 base salary is guaranteed.
Eric Weddle received five years, $40 million with $19 million in guarantees.
It’s not completely out of line with expectations, but the slow market for Huff’s services insinuated his deal would be more affordable. Not the case.
Huff will now have to prove 2010 was not a fluke and he really is an all-pro safety.
The Raiders announced the signings of offensive lineman Stephon Heyer, Justin Smiley and Seth Wand.
Justin Smiley was in for a visit and Stephon Heyer announced on his Facebook he signed with the team this morning. Wand last played in the UFL.
The Raiders seems content adding lower level talent in hopes of fielding a decent offensive line. Not a great approach.
Proven options like Brian Waters and Sean Locklear remain free agents.
ESPN’s John Clayton reports Zach Miller has agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks. Adam Schefter confirms the contract is for five years and $34 million with $17 million in guarantees.
That’s nearly $7 million per season of which about 3.4 million will be guaranteed. Al Davis simply couldn’t match the Seahawks offer.
Davis rolled the dice letting a tight end hit free agency and he lost, but as Alex Miglio of Dolphinsblog.com explains, Miller is not as valuable as he seems.
So don’t panic. Kevin Boss has already shown interest in the Raiders and the Raiders can mitigate the loss in a variety of ways. The receivers growth is a big part, they can also use Richard Gordon as a blocking tight end and David Ausberry or Brandon Myers as receiving options. A piece together Zach Miller approach.
It’s a huge blow to the offense, but the development of Marcel Reece and addition of Taiwan Jones may mitigate some of the offensive loss as well.
It’s a business and the Raiders never made Miller a priority in free agency. He felt wanted in Seattle and got more than the Raiders were willing or able to spend.