2011 NFL Free Agency: Oakland Raiders' Thomas Howard is Headed to the Bengals

by Rich Langford on Jul 28, 2011 4:03 PM PDT

2011 NFL free agency is where the Bengals go to sign Oakland Raiders. Outside linebacker Thomas Howard will be following Bruce Gradkowski to Cincinnati. ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news and he reported that it is a two-year deal worth $6.5 million. And that is not a bad deal for a player that was relegated to special teams duty last year.

It is not at all surprising that Howard is leaving the Raiders. He was stripped of his starting job prior to the 2010 season, and never really seemed to even be given consideration to get it back—even though Quentin Groves struggled on the weakside last season. The Raiders coaching staff had pinned the crux of their run defense woes on the linebackers and the smallish Howard was left on the sidelines. Jump over for more....

To his immense credit, Howard never once complained, and he busted his ass on special teams. The Bengals are getting a true professional. The money on the deal would indicate that Howard is going to be given every chance to start and his signings probably signal the end for Dhani Jones and Brandon Johnson.

A player of Howard's character will always be missed in the locker room, but they certainly aren't going to miss him on the field. Howard's days of playing linebacker here were over. I wish him nothing but the best.

The Raiders seem completely content with the linebackers they have. They still need to add some depth, but—barring injury—I think we can pencil iin Kamerion Wimbley, Rolando McClain and Travis Goethel as the starters.

Get all the latest news, info and rumors regarding the Raiders free agents and the players they are targeting.

9.14 Chargers @ Raiders Back-Back hits by Thomas Howard.flv (via tatum46077)

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Bengals get two true professional players

I wish nothing but the best for Howard and Gradkowski. I think they are both true professional players that can help change the mindset of the Bengals and they bring true character to a team that has lacked that over the last few years. Good luck Bruce and Thomas.

by Terrance Bryant on Jul 28, 2011 4:19 PM PDT reply actions

definitely. they are on the right track, in getting two guys that scream character and locker room presence

not necessarily a priority on the Bengals to do list of late, and something that needed to happen. I wish Bruce and Thomas the utmost of success, except when playing our Raiders.

"tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. I have been told that I can't play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit"--Mark Herzlich

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson

by brhynno on Jul 28, 2011 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm with you on that sentiment

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I made a trade for Seymour. ..I thought it was a great trade. Still do. [Al Davis 1/2011]
Patience advances a man to better times.

by Sons-of-Blanda on Jul 28, 2011 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions

"Death Ro"

(credit to Papabegood for the moniker) lest he pull a tirade on my ass for trying to pee on his turf! When Ro did the WWF slam on that cat last year I knew we were on the way back! Fuck the penalty ,we needed ,ah ,inspiration at the time -NOT yardage. R.F.F.R.

by Wyoraider on Jul 28, 2011 4:24 PM PDT reply actions

Man I loved T. Howard.

Especially using him on Madden. He was fast and made picks for us. I remember when him and K. Morrison were picking off passes left and right.

by pbwulf on Jul 28, 2011 4:46 PM PDT reply actions

^5

I was thinking the same thing. To bad he was better in Madden than in RL…lol

by MrColg8Smile on Jul 28, 2011 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

+1

I’ll still argue it’s how you use the personnel. I’ve been able to have great success subbing a few guys, and I often lines up Thomas at Sam, and always got picks, tipped balls, and caught fleet footed backs trying to turn the corner.

"tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. I have been told that I can't play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit"--Mark Herzlich

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson

by brhynno on Jul 28, 2011 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks T. Howard as a Raider and UTEP Miner fan.

Your effort to bulk up from safety to OLB was amazing and you didn’t have the great fortune of playing behind our fully-fortified front four for your early years. I wish you and Bruce nothing but good luck with the Bungles except any week you play Oakland.

Trust No One
Studies show stress can kill you, but don't worry about it.

by TAW on Jul 28, 2011 6:44 PM PDT reply actions