Cuts Include:
Sam Williams,Trent Edwards, Walter McFadden, Jeremy Ware, Kevin Brock, Mason Brodine, Jamie Cumbie, Chris Francis, Bani Gbadyu, Derrick Hill, Tommie Hill, Chad Jackson, Jeremy Leman, Eddie McGee, Glenn Pakulak, Alex Parsons, Louis Rankin, Manase Tonga, Roy Shuening, Shaun Bodiford, Matt Giordano, Daniel Loper, Stevie Brown, Lito Sheppard, Sterling Moore
In my prediction I had eight of these players making the roster.
It’s been a good run, even if it ends this year. No one has been better at predicting the 53-man roster for the past few years. My not-so-humble brag will ultimately make this prediction terrible, but I’ve got to make it anyway.
Quarterbacks (3+1)
Jason Campbell
Kyle Boller
Trent Edwards
Terrelle Pryor (roster exemption while he is suspended)
Running backs (5)
Darren McFadden
Michael Bush
Taiwan Jones
Rock Cartwright
Marcel Reece
Receivers (6)
Darrius Heyward Bey
Jacoby Ford
Louis Murphy
Denarius Moore
Chaz Schilens
Derek Hagan
Tight Ends (3)
Kevin Boss
Brandon Myers
David Ausberry
Offensive Tackles (4)
Jared Veldheer
Stephon Heyer
Khalif Barnes
Joseph Barksdale
Offensive Guards (3)
Stefen Wisniewski
Cooper Carlisle
Bruce Campbell
Center (1)
Samson Satele
Defensive Tackles (4)
Richard Seymour
Tommy Kelly
John Henderson
Desmond Bryant
Defensive Ends (4)
Lamarr Houston
Matt Shaughnessy
Trevor Scott
Jarvis Moss
Linebackers (6)
Rolando McClain
Kamerion Wimbley
Quentin Groves
Darryl Blackstock
Jeremy Leman
Sam Williams
Safties (5)
Michael Huff
Tyvon Branch
Mike Mitchell
Chimdi Chekwa
Stevie Brown
Cornerbacks (6)
Stanford Routt
Chris Johnson
Demarcus Van Dyke
Lito Sheppard
Walter McFadden
Jeremy Ware
Specialists (3)
Sebastian Janikowski
Shane Lechler
Jon Condo
Per Jaz Glazer of Fox Sports, Kirk Morrison has signed with the Buffalo Bills. If the Raiders wanted to bring in a linebacker, they are down to Lofa Tatupu as the only remaining serviceable option.
The Raiders were already thin at linebacker before losing Travis Goethel for the season to a knee injury.
Behind starters Kamerion Wimbley, Rolando McClain and Quentin Groves the Raiders have Sam Williams, Darryl Blackstock, Bruce Davis II, Bani Gbdayu and Chris Francis.
That’s an extremely thin group of linebackers and the Raiders will be looking at cuts around the league to shore up the group.
With the end of the lockout in view and free agency on the horizon it is time to review what the Raiders need to do once the NFL opens for business. We start with what the Raiders need to do with their own free agents.
The biggest free agent on the market may be Nnamdi Asomugha. While it is unlikely the Raiders can afford to keep Asomugha, it’s not totally impossible.
Chances the Raiders re-sign Nnamdi Asomugha: <20%
The Raiders face the real possiblity of losing two pieces of their defensive secondary, with Michael Huff poised to also become a free agent. Raiders will wait and see what the market is, but chances are a safety needy team like the Jaguars will bite hard.
Chances the Raiders re-sign Michael Huff: <20%
Charlie Frye as the thrid quarterback. It’s a thankless position and job. Fans would rather have a developmental player, but the coaches like Frye and he will get a chance to be the third quarterback.
Chances Raiders re-sign Charlie Frye: >85%
The Raiders drafted Richard Gordon and brought in a host of other lineman, but who can replace Khalif Barnes as the sixth lineman? He likely sticks.
Chances Khalif Barnes is re-signed: >90%
Sam Williams. Vet minimum. 100%
Robert Gallery, Bruce Gradkowski, Thomas Howard, Johnnie Lee Higgins 0%.
What about Zach Miller? He has been the Raiders most productive receiver for the past three seasons. The Raiders will pay whatever is necessary to retain Miller, but he will have other options.
Zach attack back: >75%
Al Davis and Hue Jackson have hinted that they should have installed Mario Henderson at right tackle earlier. Does that mean he will be back? Probably.
Super? Mario 2: >75%
The drafting of Joseph Barksdale and Henderson’s performance late in the year leaves Langston Walker twisting in the wind, if that’s possible at 350 pounds. He’s a good run blocker and the Raiders have a need for lineman.
Langston Walker Part Trois: <80%
Ricky Brown and Jarvis Moss: >90%
Samson Satele was given a tender, so he may stick, but my gut says he’s let go, backup centers are a dime a dozen. 5%
Everyone’s favorite fullback, Marcel Reece is restricted free agent. 100%
Michael Bush, restricted free agent, given first and third-round tender. 100%
Long Snapper Jon Condo: 100%