Oakland Raiders: Most Surprising Moves On Cut Down Day

Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Christian Ponder (9) takes the snap from offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom (70) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Oakland Raiders 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Bergstrom Keeps His Job – Again

Cats may have nine lives, but Tony Bergstrom obviously has way more than that.

The only thing anybody can figure is that because Bergstrom was McKenzie’s very first draft pick with the Raiders back in 2012, the sentimental value the offensive lineman holds for him pretty much guarantees him a roster spot for life. Sort of like that first dollar bill you made or check you earned that you frame and hang on your wall.

That really is the only way of explaining why Bergstrom still has a job with the Raiders. He rarely plays, has often been inactive for long stretches at a time, and on those rare occasions when he has seen the field, he’s been a hot mess.

Oakland has tried him at a variety of different positions along the offensive line and unfortunately for him and the team, he hasn’t been any better at one than the other. In three seasons with the Raiders, he has played in exactly nine games – with a whopping one start – and all of those were in his rookie season.

If you’re scoring at home, that means that Tony Bergstrom has not set foot on the field and played a snap on the offensive line since 2012. Not one snap in the last two seasons.

So why in the world does he still have a roster spot? A roster spot that could have gone to somebody who can actually contribute to the team? Sentimental value for McKenzie. It’s the only thing that explains Bergstrom’s continued presence on the Oakland roster.

Next: Won't Be Out of Work Long