Oakland Raiders' First Day of Free Agency a Mixed Bag

The first day of free agency for the Oakland Raiders almost seemed like 2014 all over again. Though GM Reggie McKenzie had a lengthy FA wish list — just like last year — it’s hard to classify the opening day as anything other than a bit of a disappointment. Just like last year.

But as they say, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish that matters. And the one thing that McKenzie and the Raiders have going for them is that they still have the chance to finish strong.

Though McKenzie swung and missed at the names that topped his wish list – Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Ndamukong Suh, Terrance Knighton, and Julius Thomas – he spent the first day of free agency adding a few perhaps, lesser known names that will contribute right away.

As expected, the Raiders signed center Rodney Hudson away from division rival Kansas City. Hudson seems to be ascending, and has been rated one of the best centers in the league for the past couple of seasons. Though Oakland is perhaps overpaying Hudson a bit – 5 years, $44.5 million – the market is what it is.

He’s an upgrade over the departed Stefen Wisniewski, will anchor an offensive line that must do a better job of not just protecting Derek Carr, but blowing open holes for the running game.

Having missed out on the top tier free agent receivers, the Raiders have seemingly turned their attention to building from the inside out and putting a priority on giving Carr plenty of protection, as well as trying to take some of the pressure off of him.

To that end, the Raiders have signed former Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith – 3 years, $9.1 million – who is regarded as a very good blocker. And apparently because you can’t have too many tight ends – and perhaps because they missed out on Thomas – Oakland is scheduled to meet with Cincinnati castoff Jermaine Gresham.

Gresham isn’t the accomplished blocker that Smith is, but having averaged more than 50 receptions, 500 yards, and five scores over his five season career, he is another weapon that Carr and the offense can utilize. Especially when running in two tight ends sets with fellow TE Mychal Rivera.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders acquired linebacker Malcolm Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. New Oakland defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr., was Smith’s position coach in Seattle and believes that he can help transition the outside linebacker to the inside game, as the Raiders have a desperate need for help in the middle with Nick Roach‘s battle with concussion related symptoms and ultimate release.

Smith is a bit of a gamble in that he was never a full time player in Seattle. Despite winning Super Bowl MVP honors two years ago, he was a role player on Seattle’s stellar defensive squad. He’s young, has plenty of upside, and has a strong backer in Norton, Jr., who believes he will be just fine playing inside, being the defensive quarterback, and a quality run stuffer – all things Oakland needs.

The most curious signing of the day, was the acquisition of former Washington running back Roy Helu. Oakland needs another back to pair with bruiser Latavius Murray, and Helu could be a decent change of pace back. However, he’s more accomplished as a pass catcher and situational back, than he is as a between the tackles running back. Helu is coming off two seasons in which he averaged around 50 carries for just over 200 yards. In 2014, Helu did add 42 receptions for 477 yards and a pair of scores out of the backfield.

In a situational role similar to that of say, Darren Sproles, Helu might be just fine. And even though his contract is modest – 2 years for just over $4 million dollars – the addition of Helu doesn’t make a lot of sense in that he doesn’t do much to upgrade the running back spot.

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Though according to reports, that might be addressed soon.

A couple of the more interesting stories to come out of the day involve moves that have yet to take place. Still needing a big run stuffing body for the middle of the defensive line after Knighton disagreed with Oakland about his monetary value, the Raiders are scheduled to meet with Cardinals’ defensive lineman Dan Williams.

Williams is a big, run stuffing body who can push the pocket and help the edge rushers get to the quarterback. Though Knighton would have likely been a better natural fit in Del Rio’s defensive system, Williams would be a very solid addition who could be just as good – and come at a far more economical price.

The Raiders are also scheduled to meet with former Saints’ LB Curtis Lofton. Though 29 years old, Lofton can still bring it. Over the course of his seven year career, Lofton has managed more than 100 tackles in each season. He’s a run stuffing presence the Raiders could absolutely use in the middle of their defense.

But perhaps the most intriguing story to come out of the first day of free agency is that the Raiders have emerged as strong contenders to land last season’s rushing champion in DeMarco Murray. Talks between Murray’s camp and the Cowboys have seemingly stalled, and the running back is fielding offers from other teams.

It’s being reported that talks are white hot and the Raiders are still right in the thick of the battle for the running back. There is no doubt that a running back of Murray’s caliber would add some much needed punch to the Raiders stagnant running game – and offense as a whole. He would also take a lot of pressure off of Carr as opposing defenses would have to take Oakland’s running game seriously – something they haven’t had to do in quite some time.

Oakland Raiders’ First Day of Free Agency a Mixed Bag

By Kevin Saito | Mar 11, 2015