Oakland Raiders Should Steer Well Clear Of The Pot Roast

The Oakland Raiders and Terrance Knighton had a flirtation for a while last year, but no deal was ever consummated – now that he’s a free agent again, the Raiders should stay well away from him.

More from Las Vegas Raiders News

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
• Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
• Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
• Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots

Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie and HC Jack Del Rio were undoubtedly salivating last year when they had the chance to snatch up veteran interior defensive lineman Terrance Knighton. There was a definite flirtation between the two parties, but one that was never consummated. It’s a non-move that Raider fans everywhere should be smiling and happy about.

Given the history between coach Del Rio and Knighton, people were automatically drawing connections between the two. To many, a reunion seemed not just possible, but likely. Thankfully though, Knighton’s insistence that he be well (over)paid for his position and level of production led the team to take a pass on the big man. Though, he did eventually sign with Washington, Knighton wasn’t paid anything near what he was looking for.

The Patriots picked Knighton up back in April on a one year deal that was set to pay him up to about two million bucks. Which is a far, far cry from the more than nine million he wanted when he was doing his song and dance with the Raiders.

Related Story: Projecting Cuts And Keepers

And apparently, Knighton hasn’t been productive enough for Bill Belichick to want to keep around. After not playing a single defensive snap for the team against the Carolina Panthers last week, the writing was obviously on the wall – and clear enough that Knighton himself could read it.

It seems likely that somebody is going to give the 6’3”, 355 pound Knighton another chance to play. He’s a big body, takes up a lot of space, and can play reasonably well. Though not a household name, he did play pretty well in Jacksonville and Denver – his two stops before Washington last season.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

And predictably, with somebody with Knighton’s name recognition hits the open market, there is no shortage of people who clamor to get a Silver and Black jersey on him. Especially when the run defense is struggling as badly as it has through the first three games of the preseason.

The Raiders though, would do very well to avoid the knee jerk reaction by serving up some Pot Roast to this team – regardless of how loud some fans scream.

Oakland already has two big, tough interior defensive linemen in Dan Williams and Justin Ellis. Peanut Butter and Jelly did very well for the team last season and we should expect that they’ll continue to play well.

Adding a player like Knighton, who is seeing a decline in his productivity – not to mention his job prospects – isn’t the sort of move this team should make. It’s the sort of move the late, great Al Davis might have made in his later years, but not one this current regime should even entertain.

In addition to a decline in productivity, there have been a few whispers and rumors about the effort – or lack thereof – during camp and even in some games. That is not the sort of player or locker room presence this Raiders squad wants or needs.

The Raiders loaded up on defensive players over the course of this offseason. Bruce Irvin, Jihad Ward, Shilique Calhoun, and James Cowser will be teaming up with Khalil Mack along Oakland’s defensive front. It’s a front that suddenly looks a lot more formidable and ferocious. And though they have some definite bugs and kinks to work out, it’s a unit that looks like it is capable of doing some serious damage around this league.

Next: Edwards To Miss Significant Time

Oakland is scuffling a little bit in trying to shore up their run defense right now. But they have the talent and the coaching staff to get their ship righted. The last thing they need to do is add Knighton to the squad and not get a whole lot in return.

The Raiders should absolutely avoid serving up the Pot Roast to this team.