Oakland Raiders: 6 Questions the Team Must Answer Quickly

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders center

(61) lines up against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Question #1: Are the Raiders Really Comfortable Letting Stefen Wisniewski Walk?

Letting homegrown talent walk away via free agency is something Reggie McKenzie has been lambasted for. Somewhat unfairly, as it turns out. Last season, he let Jared Veldheer and LaMarr Houston find greener pastures – and was absolutely crucified for it.

What McKenzie’s critics fail to recognize is that Veldheer’s replacement, Donald Penn, had a much better year and was rated higher by Pro Football Focus for 2014. Lamarr Houston did absolutely nothing before blowing out his ACL celebrating his lone sack in week eight last season. Houston’s replacement, Justin Tuck, played well and while not statistically eye-popping, was one of Oakland’s most consistent defenders in 2014.

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This year, the Raiders must decide about another homegrown talent. This year, it’s center Stefen Wisniewski. The last couple of seasons, Wisniewski’s play has slipped a bit and he’s had statistically down years. That’s led to McKenzie not being willing to pay what Wisniewski wants to be paid – which has created an impasse.

McKenzie must decide whether Wisniewski’s contract demand is so outrageous that they’re better off letting him walk. Especially given the fact that to find a replacement, they will likely be paying as much, if not more for him.

Wisniewski is going to test the market, but will he find a better deal than what McKenzie was offering? It’s currently a game of chicken, and we’ll have to wait to see who blinks first.

Next: Question #2 - Oakland's RFA's