Interesting Start to Free Agency for Reggie McKenzie, Oakland Raiders

It has been three days since free agency opened in the NFL offseason. Many fans are either ecstatic about their teams signings or depressed. With over $60 million in cap room, by far the most of any team in the league, how should fans of the Oakland Raiders feel about their grand rebuilding? If nothing else, they should be intrigued.

The team entered free agency with three of their best players still not under contract: Offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, defensive lineman LaMarr Houston, and running back Rashad Jennings. By the end of the first day they had all signed on with another team. The result: outrage by the fans and press alike.

However, Reggie McKenzie and company were not without their own signings. They placed an emphasis on the offensive line (a great place to start), signing St. Louis Rams versatile offensive lineman Rodger Saffold and former New York Jets offensive tackle Austin Howard to five-year contracts worth $42 million and $30 million respectively. While these were absolutely not the moves fans were looking for, they acted decisively and made two solid upgrades at guard and right tackle (the positions they were reported to play).

Unfortunately, the second day of the free agency period brought an unexpected problem. Saffold failed his physical with an apparent shoulder injury. As a result the biggest signing of the McKenzie regime was voided. Saffold returned to St. Louis and the Raiders went back to the drawing board. This is an unfortunate blunder that a fragile regime such as this one could really do without.

Fortunately, these were not the only two signings so far.

Running back Darren McFadden was resigned to a one-year, $4 million contract. While this signing will also not please fans on the surface, it actually is a very smart move. $4 million for a starting running back in the NFL is not that expensive and as a one year contract it means McFadden has to fight to prove himself for another contract next year. While his career has been extensively marked with injuries, his talent is undeniable so a one-year deal for him makes sense.

On the third day, the defense was finally addressed with the signings of defensive linemen Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, formerly of the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively. While the loss of LaMarr Houston hurt, the defensive line got arguably better with these signings that it would have with Houston. Both players bring championship credentials, combining for three Super Bowl wins, and a veteran presence to the defense. They also both come cheaper than the contract Houston signed with Chicago.

While both players are older than Houston, they are also both highly talented and still have something to offer. Tuck is coming off an 11 sack season, something the Raiders haven’t had from a single player since 2006. While talented as a pass rusher, Tuck is also known for his ability to play the run and stay on the field for every down.

Woodley on the other hand is a little more peculiar as a choice for the team’s defensive scheme. He has played as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense for his entire NFL career. Unless the Raiders change from their scheme, he will line up with his hand on the ground in their predominantly 4-3 scheme. He is built well and should have no problem holding his own at his new position. He did it in college and in reality he did it a lot as a Steeler. The only difference now opposed to then is that he will have his hand on the ground, which should actually give him more leverage.

Rest easy Raider Nation. Your team has brought in some very good pieces to their rebuilding puzzle. If you’re still not convinced then allow me to leave you with some food for though: If you’re an interior defensive lineman, how nice does it sound when they pitch you on lining up between Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley? How about if you’re a defensive back? It took a couple of days but things are looking up in Oakland. Remember, Rome was not built in a day…neither was Oakland.