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The NFL requires every team to spend 89% of the salary cap in cash over a four-year period from 2013-2016. The Raiders spend just $63.4 million in cash last season, leaving a $46.1 million deficit to makeup over the next three years. This can be made up by giving large signing bonuses or roster bonuses to free agents in any of the next three seasons. However, signing bonuses are prorated and would create dead money if that player is released in the future. The better way to do things is use the available funds to give large roster bonuses, which is exactly what the Raiders are doing. Instead of trying to make up the cash deficit in one year by giving out large signing bonuses, it makes more sense to chip away at it a little bit every year.  General manager Reggie McKenzie has been described as a slow and methodical man, so this is likely the route he will go. Below is a chart that included the current cash the Raiders have devoted to the roster through 2016 according to overthecap.com ...

[caption id="attachment_2965" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Reggie "Lil Wayne" McKenzie[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2966" align="aligncenter" width="300"] It's "Breaking Bad" for the Raiders[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1023"] Al's Millions[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="456"] Reggie's Poker Face[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Scrooge McKenzie[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="599"] World Series of Reggie[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Crabby McKenzie[/caption]

To me, one of the most important yet least talked about changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was signed in 2011, is the ability for teams to rollover any unused salary cap from one year to the next. What this means is that if your favorite team is $5 million under the salary cap, they can notify the NFL that they want to take that amount and add it to the following year’s salary cap. Your most hated team only has $1 million in cap space and chooses to roll it over to the next year. Therefore, your team has $4 million more available to spend next year than your opponent. So you can see the benefits of being frugal already, right? But let’s talk about why this even happened in the first place. In negotiating the current CBA, both owners and players were looking for compromises that would benefit them the most. This was a compromise that both parties agreed to willingly because it serves a benefit for each. The players loved the idea because previously any unused cap space ...

The Oakland Raiders came into the offseason with salary cap issues and needing to improve a team that finished a disappointing 8-8 last season. New general manager Reggie McKenzie was hired to reshape the Raiders' front office and establish a new philosophy to guide the team into the future. McKenzie has a plan and as time passes his philosophies will slowly be revealed. So far, McKenzie has made a flurry of moves designed to help the Raiders reach short-term and long-term goals such as getting under the salary cap and shedding back-loaded contracts that would have handicapped his plans in 2013 and beyond. A lot of activity doesn't always indicate a lot of change. As it stands, the Raiders will return 16 of 22 starters.   What does the Raiders activity or lack of activity mean for the team in 2012?   1. Reggie McKenzie wants to win and knows how to build a team to do it. Overreacting, overvaluing and overpaying is not a recipe for success in the NFL. The most successful teams ...

At 1 p.m. PDT, March 13, 2012 the NFL's free agency period starts and the Raiders must be under the salary cap. There are a number of player contracts that have not yet restructured or otherwise addressed which will likely have an impact on the salary cap and the Raiders' free agency plans. Kamerion Wimbley The two sides aren't talking and extra guarantees are triggered on Friday and Wimbley is likely to be released before they do. Wimbley's release would save the Raiders just $2 million in cap space and leave the Raiders without a strong-side linebacker on the roster. John Henderson His contract is due to pay him $4.75 million in 2012. It's far too much for part-time backup with Henderson's miles. The Raiders would save approximately $4 million by releasing Henderson, but that also leaves the Raiders with a need for a run-stuffing defensive tackle Tommy Kelly Kelly's cap number is nearly $9 million and one would expect a restructured contract would have ...

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Raiders strong safety Tyvon Branch will receive the franchise tag. With only a few days to go before the deadline to apply the tag the two sides remain far apart to reach a long-term contract. It's not impossible that the Raiders will reach a long-term agreement with Branch at some point in the future, but at least one side feels a deal can't be reached before the deadline on Monday. Branch just completed his rookie contract worth about $2.2 million and is looking for pay in-line with starting role. Branch averaged 112 tackles per season since becomming a starter at the beginning of the 2009 season. Branch has been used as a box safety to help support the run, something required because of the Raiders problems in the front seven. It is believed Branch will be an excellent fit in Dennis Allen's defensive scheme and was immediately mentioned as a top priority for the Raiders.    

The Raiders don't have many draft picks, but it doesn't mean there aren't several holes the Raiders would like to fill through the draft. Reggie McKenzie may try to add more picks via trade and will also look to add players that aren't drafted. Not all of these holes will be filled with draft picks, but McKenzie would do well to address as many as he can. 1. Inside Linebacker If the Raiders plan to play more 3-4, they will need to add one or two inside linebackers. Rolando McClain is likely to get one more year to prove he isn't a draft bust, but he will need help inside. Travis Goethel has been given an opportunity to play, but he can't stay healthy. Aaron Curry may be able to move inside when the Raiders decide to play 3-4, but that leaves a large hole at outside linebacker.   2. Outside Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley is the only lock to make the roster from last year's group of outside linebackers. Curry will need to restructure his $5.7 cap number to stick...

As seen on Bleacher Report. The first offseason without the presence of legendary owner Al Davis will prove to be the most intriguing one in decades for the Oakland Raiders. Reggie McKenzie takes over as the main football executive and has already been working to shape the Raiders into his team. McKenzie started with the head coach and has been interviewing and evaluating his front office staff and scouting department over the past few weeks. Raiders fans are accustomed to coaching change, but front office and roster changes have always been subtle from year to year. Al Davis was the final decision-maker for the Raiders and he would slowly sour on players and wholesale changes would always come at the expense of the head coach.   McKenzie's philosophy will differ from the late Davis' philosophy. Davis loved speed, but he was just as interested in his size, strength, speed and other measurable traits as he was with a fast time in the 40-yard dash. Former Raiders and Packers gene...

Khalif Barnes - Weakest link on the offensive line with youth behind him. Raiders will look for for other options. It's not as if there aren't a dozen Khalif's on the street each year. Darryl Blackstock - Was a Chuck Bresnahan guy, but found a home on special teams. Would have to make the team as a reserve LB and special teams guy next training camp. Wouldn't be surprised to see him back as a camp body or gone entirely. Kyle Boller - Hue didn't have enough confidence to turn to Boller. Expect the Raiders to look elsewhere for a backup to Carson Palmer. Jerome Boyd - Was nothing more than a reserve and special teams player. Some good moments and some very bad ones. Camp body again and fate will depend on the defensive coordinator. Tyvon Branch - About the only consistent producer in the secondary. Raiders will want to bring him back. Desmond Bryant - He's been great in limited action and can play inside and out. Key reserve. Michael Bush - He'll find a home a...

Can you remember when the Raiders were without a real deep threat? On multiple occasions the Raiders had a roster filled with receivers who could only run in a straight line? The Raiders also had their fair share of divas at the position. Remember when Oakland's pass offense revolved around dump offs and check downs? Remember when it seemed Justin Fargas was the only reliable weapon the Raiders had? Do you remember all the years Zach Miller led the Raiders in receptions and receiving yardage? Do you remember feeling the entire Raiders team squawk after Miller signed with Seattle? I am sure you remember the excitement in the media when the Raiders announced that Kevin Boss had picked Oakland over his other suitors. All the articles stated, “Well, he is a better blocker," and Al Davis let a pro bowl tight end slip away. The Raiders were blasted for letting Miller go to Seattle and accused of taking Miller's talent for granted. Kevin Boss has yet to play a snap and the Raider...

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. -...

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

Per Adam Caplann,  Michael Bush is almost certain to return to the Raiders in 2011. Michael Bush spent his entire first season on the non-football injury list  and he wouldn't have accrued the four seasons necessary to become a free agent. This conflicts with Jerry McDonald's report that his first season would count and he would become a free agent if the new rules allow players with four seasons to become free agents. I trust Jerry McDonald, but I have heard if the rules remained the same under the new collective bargaining agreement he would not become a free agent. There is also the possiblity this provision could be changed in the new labor deal.

After crunching a few numbers, making a few educated estimations, and updating some old salary cap data one thing is clear: The Raiders can't afford Nnamdi Asomugha. The Raiders may only be able to afford Zach Miller or Michael Huff, and not both. If the Salary Cap were in place in 2010, the Raiders total salary cap figure would have been $132 million. As of  January 13, the Raiders cap figure for 2011 was $85.8 million. This was prior to new deals for Stanford Routt, Richard Seymour as well as the franchise tender given to Kamerion Wimbley. Based upon my calculations, the Raiders figure is between $118 million and $130 million for 2011. The two methods deployed to come up with this range were using the $85.8 and adding the money committed in contracts after January 13. The second was utilizing the contracts page on Rotoworld.com and compensating for any guarantees the player may have. Obviously both methods are flawed which is why the range is so large. $12 million could be the...

Jason Campbell will be the starter going into the 2011 season. Given his inconsistency in 2010, the Raiders must hedge its bet and bring in a quarterback of the future. The backup quarterback is Kyle Boller and is no threat to be anything more than a backup. What available players might fit what the Raiders need?   Terrelle Pryor The Ohio State product will enter the supplemental draft. He'd be an interesting project quarterback for Hue Jackson to mold. The Raiders are a favorite to land Pryor and they are, like many teams, exploring Pryor's on and off-the-field resume. He'd slide in as the third quarterback and would be groomed to take over at a future date two or three years down the line. Given the Raiders track record of developing quarterbacks and Pryor's lack of NFL caliber traits as a quarterback, it's probably best to stay away from Pryor despite his size.   Vince Young It wasn't long ago the Raiders scouts were drooling all over Vince Young during the p...

With an extended window to examine tape of this year's undrafted free agent (UDFA) pool, we could be in store for some of the largest UDFA signing bonuses in the history of the league. It's surprising then, that several names have started to leak out regarding the interest in certain undrafted players. In particular, it seems the Raiders are targeting linebackers, probably looking to add depth to the core player and supplement the likely departure of Thomas Howard. A few names that have surfaced:  Mario Harvey ,  Cobrani Mixon , and  Darnell Bolding. Mario Harvey might be one of the hotter names still available and would be a good fit as a fifth linebacker for the Raiders. Harvey is a short linebacker with good instincts. He timed well, but is slower in pads. He's known to be an aggressive tackler. Cobrani Mixon is a light inside linebacker and lacks range and speed, but could be effective if he adds bulk. He was very productive at Kent State. An ideal developmental playe...

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith wants out of Carolina. He reportedly wants a trade to the Chargers, Raiders or Ravens. Smith is more likely to be released and have his choice of teams. If that becomes the case, San Diego is a more logical fit for Smith. The Chargers are reportedly monitoring the situation much as they did with Bob Sanders, who ultimately signed as a free agent. Refreshing as it is to hear that a player wants to play for the silver and black again, unless Al Davis thinks Steve Smith is worth something in trade, he'll have better opportunities elsewhere. Could the Raiders have a roster spot for the 5-foot-9, 180-pound receiver with 52 career touchdown receptions? Back in March, Rick Drummond did a great review of the Raiders receivers that gives some perspective and insight. Of course, the Raiders drafted Denarius Moore also, so one has to wonder what role Steve Smith might play on a team chalked full of young receivers. Darrius Heyward-Bey is likely to get one ...