Oakland Raiders: 5 Players The Team Should Consider Pink-Slipping
By Kevin Saito
When McKenzie signed Nelson to his deal last season, it seemed like a good fit. Having lost Charles Woodson, the Raiders needed a steady veteran presence in the defensive backfield – one who could provide some solid play as well as mentor young gun Karl Joseph.
And statistically speaking, Nelson had a pretty good year. Five interceptions, a dozen passes defensed, and 65 tackles – by the numbers, he held down the fort pretty well.
Go beyond the numbers though, and you’ll see that Nelson wasn’t exactly lights out in the defensive backfield. He was often out of position, took bad angles, and let receivers blow by him – he certainly had a hand in Oakland’s defense giving up twenty passing touchdowns.
Now, some of that had to do with scheme issues – it’s not all entirely on him. But some of it was also in fact, performance-based. Though he wasn’t a total train wreck, it would be difficult to call him – reliable – in the secondary.
The Raiders need somebody who can provide solid support in the defensive backfield. They need somebody to pair with Joseph who can intimidate and shut down opposing receivers – as well as provide solid run support.
The fact of the matter is that Nelson is 33, has a fairly big cap number, and is sometimes something of a liability on the field. The Raiders need some help and by shedding Nelson’s $6 million contract, they can apply it to somebody younger and perhaps, better – say, a Tony Jefferson.
Nelson was a good stop-gap measure to get them through last season. But the time has come to be a little more aggressive and sign a player like Jefferson, who can help elevate a secondary that badly needs a lift.
Savings: $6 million