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Huff Returns, Miller Next

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.

Hurry Up and Wait

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. -...

The Gaither Gamble

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 f...

Raiders Going After Gaither & Goldson

The Raiders are in contract negotiations with offensive tackle Jared Gaither according to Jason La Canfora. According to Adam Schefter, the Raiders are fighting with the 49ers for the services of free safety Dashon Goldson. The two players are the biggest free agents tied to the Raiders thus far. In the case of Gaither, he would fill a huge need along the offensive line. Goldson would replace Michael Huff and is a clear sign the Raiders are content to move on without him.

Getting Busy: Raiders Free Agent Signings

Undrafted Free Agents Signed: Mason Brodine, DE - Nebraska-Kearney Chris Francis, ILB - Baylor Ben Iamaak, C - Iowa State Derrick Jones, WR - California (PA) Ben Gbadyu, OLB, Penn State Alan Pelc, OG, North Carolina Sterling Moore, CB - Southern Methodist Eddie McGee, WR/QB - Illinois James McCluskey, FB - Boston College Lou Eliades, OL - Penn State Zac Etheridge, S - Auburn Jordan La Secla, QB - San Jose State Steven Goulet. WR - Ohio Jamie Cumbie, DT - Clemson Veteran Free Agents Signed: Jarvis Moss, DE/LB Jon Condo, LS Draft picks signed: Taiwan Jones - Signing Bonus $405,000 DeMarcus Van Dyke David Ausberry - Signing Bonus $45,900 Denarius Moore - Signing Bonus $190,500