A List of Free Agent Linemen: Provided by Raider Way

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Jan 6, 2009 10:04 AM PST

By Raiderway:

So far here are the free agents to be for this year. Any of the first three, if we sign, will come relatively cheap and will be a quality addition as well as an upgrade over what we have. The draft, at the 7th position will really come down to best available and because this years O-line may be cost effective, a defensive player may be the Raiders’ first pick.

Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers

Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers

Mark Tauscher, UFA, Green Bay Packers

Stacy Andrews, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Khalif Barnes, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Black, UFA, Houston Texans
Jason Brown, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Vernon Carey, UFA, Miami Dolphins
Jahri Evans, UFA, New Orleans Saints
George Foster, UFA, Detroit Lions
Chris Gray, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Pete Kendall, UFA, Washington Redskins
Seth McKinney, UFA, Cleveland Browns
Jon Runyan, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Saturday, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Marvel Smith, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tra Thomas, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Fred Weary, UFA, Houston Texans
John Welbourn, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs

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Cheap?

Any of the first three, if we sign, will come relatively cheap…

What? Cheap? Jordan Gross would be anything but cheap, considering Carolina franchised him this year. That 1 year contract was for over $7 million.

I don’t think the Raiders should attempt to upgrade the tackle positions by free agency; stick to the draft. I wouldn’t mind the Raiders finding a younger replacement for Carlisle though.

Also, that list can’t possibly be complete, given that our own Cooper Carlisle and Jake Grove should be on it.

"I love being here. I love these players. I'm loyal to these players and this team, all right? I'm on the side of the players and the Raiders. And anybody who isn't on the side of the Raiders, then I'm not with them." - Randy Hanson, DB coach.

by LiveAdam on Jan 6, 2009 10:26 AM PST reply actions

Yes, in perspective

A left tackle drafted in the top 10 is going to get a minimum of $25 million guaranteed and require a five to 6 year commitment of $40 million dollars. I’m not saying no, just that this year’s FA class offers some relatively inexpensive alternatives along the offensive line.

Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.

by TheRaiderWay on Jan 6, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions

I agree

the FA class looks very good. Goff, Gross, and Barnes are on my top list. If we do get one of these guys, that’ll leave us to draft maybe Maualuga?

"Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of themselves without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, 'If I live, I will kill you. If I die, You are forgiven.' Such is the rule of honor." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jan 6, 2009 1:45 PM PST up reply actions

Draft Cost Is Sunk Cost

Drafting at the #7 position is really a sunk cost for the Raiders to a certain degree. You can change it a bit depending on whether you’re drafting a skill position or not, but that $25 million guaranteed is going to someone, so it may as well be a young talented player with a good head on their shoulders who can help the team win. As saint said, it is “best player available” to an extent, but I believe that one of those 3 OTs we’ve discussed (Smith, Oher, Monroe) will still be on the board and should be drafted.

Jordan Gross is older (and albeit more experienced) but could command nearly the same type of contract. I’d rather the Raiders continue to get younger in efforts to change the culture.

So yes, signing a free agent OT could be cheaper than drafting an OT in the 1st round, but then you’ve just given that $25 million guaranteed to Maualuga or Orakpo. You haven’t saved any money, just moved it around. Drafting is a sunk cost that must be calculated separately from free agent acquisitions. Since they made such a splash last year without much to show for it, I don’t see the Raiders making any high-level FA acquisitions.

Mid and low level pick ups are more likely, and I agree with Kaizer below, Barnes could make a good replacement for Cornell Green at RT.

by LiveAdam on Jan 6, 2009 5:37 PM PST up reply actions

Sure He Can

Barnes is a great player.

Wack To Mack With The General and The Back. (J-Mac and D-Mac)

by Rayder K on Jan 6, 2009 5:49 PM PST up reply actions

jordan gross

is older but thats what we need. im sick of people saying lets go younger. inexperience is our biggest issue jordan gross comes fro ma winning team and is a hell of a tackle. we would be lucky to lure him to oakland. forget drafting an OT, that could be as unsure as it gets. you sign a sure thing at tackle you take it end of story. id rather the raiders trade down that 7th pick and grab a few picks to fill up roster needs.

if we have a chance to fill up our O-Line through the free agency you take it. period i dont wanna be stuck with some bust ass player making 10 mill a year when you can have a sure thing thats proven to work for the same price.

Hit the clutch, hit the gear, hit the gas and im GONE!!!

by Robby1987 on Jan 6, 2009 9:25 PM PST up reply actions

Acceptable

Even though I love Monroe, and HE WILL NOT BE A BUST. But, I love your idea much more. We can grab us two key, cheap guys who will enough. Maybe ,we can adress the Receiver area and D-line area. However, we should get a talented D-linemen in the FA pool. If there is any

Wack To Mack With The General and The Back. (J-Mac and D-Mac)

by Rayder K on Jan 6, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions

yeah

raider way made a nice list of good players from the dline. most of htem will be franchised but theres still some good names. i realized just now that the panthers will probably franchise peppers meaning jordan gross will be a free agent. if we have a way i say bring him in hes well worth that price. last i checked he was drafted as a RT is he on the left side now? if somoen could clear that up id apperciate it :)

Hit the clutch, hit the gear, hit the gas and im GONE!!!

by Robby1987 on Jan 7, 2009 4:11 AM PST up reply actions