Don't panic if the Oakland Raiders slow to start free agency
2 comments February 26, 3:11 AM
by Patrick Patterson,
In less than 24 hours the NFL's swap meet known as the free agent signing period begins. This will be the last one conducted under the current incarnation of the salary cap, and as such it will be under slightly different rules, and the game is changing as to the types of contracts players will be looking for.
With the Raiders already having committed a significant portion of their cap towards Nnamdi Asomugha & Shane Lechler, as well as having a load of dead money on their cap with all the contracts they have dumped they will likley not be one of the teams that makes headlines by reaching a mega deal with a super star.
This is not a cause for panic. In fact, much of the reason that the Raiders have such a load of dead money against the cap is the high profile signings the Raiders made last offseason. They are stuck with portions of the DeAngelo Hall signing bonus as well the remainder on Gibril Wilson's bonus.
This prudence does not beget the type of deals that add enthusiasm the way the DeAngelo Hall did, but they are by necessity prudent football decisions. It should force the Raiders to take their time and shop for value, rather than just jump for the big name players. Seasons are not won or lost on the first day or two of free agency, don't panic of there is not a headline scrolling across ESPN's bottom line saying "Oakland Raiders signed (Insert player name here) to (insert ridiculous contract here) deal" at 12:02am on the 27th.
http://www.examiner.com/x-514-Oakland-Raiders-Examiner~y2009m2d26-Dont-panic-if-the-Oakland-Raiders-slow-to-start-free-agency
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