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The Raiders have signed just two players this free agency. One of whom was Mike Brisiel who was on my Raiders free agent wish list for guards. The other was Ron Bartell who was off the radar for the most part due to a cracked vertebrae in his neck that had him out all of the 2011 season.
Right guard was a position the Raiders needed. They had cut Cooper Carlisle and needed a replacement. Brisiel comes over as one of the best zone blocking scheme offensive linemen in free agency.
There are still several other positions the Raiders need either a replacement or upgrade. Here are players at those positions who are still available:
OT Sean Locklear (WAS) - Has a great deal of experience at right tackle in the NFL although for two of the last three seasons, he spent some time at left tackle as an injury replacement.
OT Anthony Collins (CIN)- He would be a steal for any team who signs him this offseason. He is young and has proven he is ready to take over as a starter. He would have had more starts but the Bengals refused to give up on Andre Smith and Dennis Roland. Even though the team had far more success with Collins.
OT Vernon Carey (MIA) - Struggled with the switch to guard last season but in prior seasons he proved to be a solid right tackle for the Dolphins.
OT James Lee (TB) - After nine starts in 2010, he was a strong contender to start at right tackle last season until the team brought back Jeremy Trueblood. He would provide the same solid competition at the right tackle position for the Raiders.
OT Brandon Keith (ARZ) - The team's 2009 seventh round pick has started 20 games the past two seasons. Unfortunately, he has been placed on injured reserve in both those seasons as well. This injury history has the Cardinals balking on re-signing him. But there is no question he is talented and would be worth a look.
C Samson Satele (OAK) - Satele is the best option left in free agency for the Raiders. He has played well at center for the Raiders all while playing through nagging injuries. He is a tough, hard-nosed competitor who has worked hard to bring his game to another level. The Raiders line was solid last year with him manning the center position and it would be again if he were to return. His recent arrest for disorderly conduct does nothing to change that.
**QB David Garrard (FA)- The former starter for the Jaguars spent all of last season rehabbing from back surgery. The Raiders made him their first phone call when Jason Campbell went down last season. It was the news of the surgery that forced them to look elsewhere. He is currently making the rounds of visits. First in Miami and next he heads to St Louis. **Signed with the Dolphins
*QB Matt Leinart (HOU)- Leinart wasn't a free agent when I put together the first QB wish list. He has since been released by the Texans. He worked directly with Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp while Knapp was the quarterbacks coach in Houston last season. So that familiarity could have the Raiders giving him a call.
RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG)- He and whomever the change-up backs were in the Giants backfield have been who Bush and McFadden have been compared with for years. He wouldn't be a long term solution because he is a power back who will be 30 before the season starts. The good news is that will lower his price tag. Also, with a reduced role, the Raiders could get a couple seasons out of him.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE) - The "other" law firm is not one who will wow you with his speed or agility. But he is a great short yardage back who has enough speed and quickness to be a feature back if called upon. He is also extremely reliable, having never fumbled in his NFL career.
RB Jackie Battle (KC)- After four seasons of obscurity in Kansas City, he really came on last season rushing for 597 yards in just 4 starts. Two of his better rushing performances on the season came against the Raiders. He is also a big back at 6-2, 238 pounds and the Raiders would be glad to have him. And like Tolbert, he would be a player taken from a rival.
RB Ronnie Brown (PHI)-He fell off the radar last season with the Dream Team Philadelphia Eagles. But what is forgotten is not necessarily lost. He played a pivotal role in the Dolphins wildcat formation for a few years. That style of running would translate well to the zone blocking scheme.
RB Cadillac Williams (STL)- He was Ronnie Brown's college backfield mate so he too is used to being a complementary back. He exploded onto the scene as a rookie in Tampa Bay and had a few good years there, albeit riddled with injuries. He signed with the Rams as a free agent prior to last season and rushed for 361 yards as backup to Stephen Jackson. And as bad as that offensive line was, his 4.1 yards per carry is actually pretty impressive.
TE Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN)- This is a guy that Reggie McKenzie is familiar with as his Packers had to face him and the Vikings twice a season. And since Shiancoe had 5 good seasons in Minnesota, that is a good deal of familiarity. The nine year vet has at least one more multi-year contract left in his career.
TE Bo Scaife (CIN)- Just three seasons ago, he was the Titans franchise player. He became a free agent after the 2010 season and signed with the Bengals. He was out all of the 2011 season with a shoulder injury but if he checks out, he could be had at a bargain basement price.
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