According to reports, the Raiders have signed offensive tackle Stephon Heyer.
Heyer has started 33 games with the Redskins and played in 49. He was originally an undrafted free agent.
The Raiders recognize their need on the offensive line, but thus far haven’t added any big names.
Bryant McKinnie was cut and the Raiders could kick his tires. Sean Locklear and Brian Waters remain the best available players.
Kamerion Wimbley’s cap figure is now more manageable. He agrees on a five-year, $48 million deal which includes $29 million in guarantees.
The signing was brought about somewhat urgently by Zach Miller’s visit to Seattle and former coach Tom Cable.
With Wimbley signed, the Raiders should have enough flexibly to sway Miller and bring in an offensive lineman.
If Miller chooses to sign in Seattle, the Raiders could bring in Kevin Boss.
If the Raiders are serious about fixing the offensive line, they should return the favor and sign Sean Locklear.
Another option would be longtime divisional foe Brian Waters.
Lofa Tatupu is in for a visit. He’s a good player with injury problems. It’s difficult to figure out how he would fit in the Raiders 4-3 defense and may foreshadow the Raiders usage of the 3-4 more this season.
Tatupu, like Gaither, will need to check out medically. He also has a planned visit to Washington, which wouldn’t mean much if the Raiders wanted to extend an offer.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Michael Huff agreed to terms with the Raiders.
Was Tyvon Branch not a fit at free safety or was it Michael Mitchell not ready to be the starter on the strong side?
The Raiders 2010 secondary remains intact less Nnamdi Asomugha. The Raiders went 1-1 without Asomugha in 2010.
The secondary should continue to be strong in 2011 with the additions of rookies Demarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa at cornerback.
Huff’s versatility is perhaps his best trait as he can also help out at cornerback when needed.
Next up, Zach Miller, but he must wait for Kamerion Wimbley to sign his long-term extension.
The Raiders took the field for the first time in 2011. Missing were key free agents Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Michael Huff and restricted free agents Michael Bush and Marcel Reece. Missing also were the slow tempo learning-intensive practices deployed by Hue Jackson’s predecessor Tom Cable.
Training Camp Report
Hue Jackson is taking a different approach. Jackson’s practice was high tempo and he wants it even faster.
With practices shortened an an abbreviated offseason, Jackson must install the playbook in significantly less time. Higher tempo means more learning in less amount of time. It’s simple, the Raiders should have high tempo practices to get as much done as possible before the season.
Stefen Wisniewski probably had the most interesting media session when he mentioned the new playbook. He mentioned how the Raiders are going to use a lot of misdirection and motion to utilize the Raiders excellent offensive speed. It’s something worth keeping your eye on.
-John Henderson left practice with an injury.
-Bruce Campbell, Darrius Heyward-Bey, & Trevor Scott are on the PUP list with injuries. Heyward-Bey should return soon.
Free Agency
Teams can begin signing free agents at 3 p.m. tomorrow and the Raiders have needs to address. When asked what his team weaknesses were Hue Jackson only mentioned the offensive line. Look for the Raiders to add offensive lineman tomorrow.
The Raiders have been silent so far and are taking a conservative approach to free agency. This is usually a good idea, but in this case the Raiders cap situation may be the major hindrance.
Kamerion Wimbley’s franchise tag number needs to be reduced, to do so the Raiders will need to sign him to an extension. The Raiders will probably redo a few deals in the next few days and potentially make a few cuts.
Reports of Cooper Carlisle and Chris Johnson proved untrue when they took the field today.
Asomugha’s suitors are seemingly down to three: The Jets, 49ers and the Raiders. Don’t be surprised if mystery team emerges as the favorites for Asomugha’s services tomorrow.
The market for Zach Miller has been unusually cool and he’s likely just waiting until the Raiders put their financial house in order to sign. There is an excellent chance he re-signs with the Raiders.
Market seems to be cool on Michael Huff as well. It will be interesting to see who signs him. At an affordable price I am sure the Raiders will be interested.
Michael Bush and Marcel Reece must wait until tomorrow to sign, but they will be in camp.
Raiders have other needs, but repairing the offensive line is by far the biggest. Jared Gaither comes with considerable risk/reward.
Gaither spent time with Hue Jackson and Al Saunders. The two coaches know what kind of player Gaither is when he is healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy.
There are basically three qualities every free agent will be judged upon: age, skill level, and injury risk/history.
When it comes free agents, most come with deficiencies in one area. Even Nnamdi Asomugha could be said to have one.
Teams will compare these deficiencies against their peers and needs and determine their value as a free agent.
For the most part you can break down all but the top free agents like this:
1. Young, good, injury prone
2. Young, average, healthy
3. Old, good, injury prone
4. Old, average, healthy
5. All players less than average.
That’s about all that is available when it comes to players in free agency. Sure, there are exceptions. The top free agents usually don’t fall into these categories.
When it comes down to comparing these players, a young, good, injury prone player stacks up pretty well against the other options.
Gaither is still only 25 and he’s been productive at left tackle when he has played. It’s one of the toughest positions in the NFL.
Gaither shouldn’t be paid like a top left tackle, but NFL average for the position would be more than fair considering the upside you get with Gaither.
If Gaither has put his injuries behind him, you have a potential franchise left tackle.
Gaither also knows the blocking scheme Hue Jackson and Al Saunders will deploy. He would give himself and the offensive line a boost just by having that familiarity.
There is more than enough reward in Gaither and the Raiders need it along the offensive line.