Oakland Raiders hoping that slow and steady wins the race
By Kevin Saito
The Oakland Raiders had a quiet start to free agency, but have since added some key pieces as they continue addressing glaring needs.
The Oakland Raiders, as the feeding frenzy known as free agency kicked off and big dollar contracts were flying around so fast people were getting whiplash, sat back and let the first wave run its course. And, given the limited wiggle room the Raiders had under the cap, it wasn’t entirely surprising – frustrating for fans, but not surprising.
But, when that first wave petered out and the premium free agents had found homes and the second wave of free agency started, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie and HC Jon Gruden threw on their shorts, grabbed a surfboard, and paddled out.
A flurry of moves on the second and third days of the free agency period has seen Gruden and McKenzie add some key pieces, addressing some of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
Of course, there are the head-scratching moves like the deals for Jordy Nelson and Doug Martin – and the release of Michael Crabtree – that remain perplexing. Moves that we’ll have to wait and see how (and if) they ultimately pan out.
But, following those deals, Gruden and McKenzie put together a run of solid signings that plugged some major holes on this roster.
The signing of Keith Smith remains a bit of a mystery, given the fact that Jamize Olawale is still on the roster and keeping two fullbacks on the roster doesn’t seem likely – although, it’s possible (we’re not saying likely), but it’s possible that he was signed with a thought to moving him back to his natural position as a linebacker, given the need for help there.
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Then word broke that McKenzie and Gruden had brought in Marcus Gilchrist to shore up the deficiency at safety, as well as linebacker Tahir Whitehead to man the middle in the event that NaVorro Bowman doesn’t return to the East Bay.
A couple of good, solid signings that should help fill some big holes on the defensive side of the ball. But, Gruden and McKenzie weren’t done.
Friday brought news that Oakland had signed cornerback Shareece Wright. Now, Wright isn’t a household name, nor is he known to be a lockdown corner. In seven seasons split between San Diego, Baltimore, and Buffalo, he’s managed just 269 tackles (240 solo), two interceptions, and four passes defensed.
But, he could be a solid rotational piece and a decent bridge signing as the Raiders try to draft and develop some younger talent. At five-foot-eleven, 182 pounds, he’s not the biggest guy around, but with 4.4 speed, he can keep up with some of the faster receivers in the league. He could work very well in the slot.
McKenzie and Gruden kept that Christmas in March feeling going when they brought in former Colts cornerback Rashaan Melvin for a visit and promptly signed him to a one-year, $6.5 million dollar deal.
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Melvin is coming off a strong 2017 campaign – a season in which he was given his first experience as a regular starter. And it was an experience he responded very well to.
A hand injury knocked him out for the season in week twelve, but he started all ten games he played in, notching 36 tackles (30 solo), 13 passes defensed, and three interceptions.
Melvin will likely be slotted in to play on the outside, opposite Gareon Conley, giving the Raiders a very different look than the 2017 squad – which, given the play of the now-departed David Amerson and Sean Smith, should be a very good thing.
Though free agency for the Raiders got off to a slow and head-scratching start – and many of us will be scratching our heads for a while as we ponder the Nelson and Martin deals – Gruden and McKenzie caught fire late and although they didn’t haul in the marquee names, had a very signing period nonethless. They addressed some of the team’s gaping holes and didn’t have to break the bank to do it.
They’ve taken a slow, methodical, surgical approach to free agency. And like that old fable about the tortoise and the hare, Gruden and McKenzie are hoping to be more like the tortoise, who ultimately wins the race.