Why the Oakland Raiders Should Bring Back Richard Seymour
October 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour (92) acknowledges the crowd after making a defensive stop on third down against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie did some serious housecleaning during the offseason.
Whether it was cutting long-time team members, signing veteran players for cheap, drafting fresh talent, or trading and acquiring the team’s potential starting quarterback, McKenzie really did it all.
One of those players was defensive lineman Richard Seymour, a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time All-Pro member. The Raiders chose to void his massive contract during this past offseason.
Were the Raiders right to let him go? Maybe. Should they bring him back? Why not.
Seymour. a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time All-Pro member, has a lot of experience under his belt. Sure, the Raiders are clearly in a rebuilding mode, as bringing in young and promising talent seems to be their number one goal right now. But that doesn’t mean that veteran leadership is not needed.
It was reported earlier that the Raiders offered veteran defensive back and ex-Raider Charles Woodson a contract, and if they are going to do that, then maybe the team should consider bringing back Seymour.
Woodson may be a bit washed up at this point in career, but make no mistake, he is a playmaker. His speed and coverage that he brings as a gifted defensive back is hard to find elsewhere, and it would be great for the Raiders if they brought him back. Tracy Porter, Mike Jenkins, and rookie D.J. Hayden would all benefit from working with Woodson, as he would present tremendous opportunities for them. Not only would they be learning from one of the all-time greats, but Woodson would also get a chance to be back on the football field.
That said, I believe Seymour is in a similar situation. He definitely isn’t the player that he once was, but he can still lay it all out on the defensive line. His size and physicality that allow him to pressure and sack quarterbacks is what separates him from the average defensive lineman, and again, the Raiders would be smart to bring him back.
That is, if he will agree to a reasonable contract. One that the Raiders will be able to avoid throwing down big-time money for him and one that will limit guarantees that the team will have to offer the seven-time Pro Bowler.
Championship pedigree is a trait that often gets overlooked in the NFL nowadays, but it can really play a big role for some teams. I believe the Raiders are one of those teams.
They have brought in several young players to develop and work with, and it’s always good to have your fresh talent learn from one of the league’s best. I don’t know if McKenzie will pull the trigger on such a decision, but keep your eye open, because he has not been one to shy away from a bold decision.