Thursday, several members of the media were able to corner Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie at the Stanford University pro day. As per usual, McKenzie was candid in his responses. He laid out the Raiders priorities in free agency and the draft.
McKenzie said the Raiders' highest priority right now is finding an outside linebacker. Saying:
"One thing I don't have is a starting outside linebacker. I would like to try to find me a guy that can play there. Other than that, we've got a guy that can line up and start at every position. Now we just need some competition and depth in case this guy gets hurt or can't cut it. That's where I am now. But I'm looking for an outside linebacker."
While that would suggest a signing in free agency, he didn't rule out being able to find a starter either in the draft or as an undrafted free agent.
He also said the lower priorities are finding a backup quarterback and backup running back adding of both positions that he would like simply like to "bring a legitimate guy in". I would expect the backup quarterback position to be filled late in free agency and the running back position to be addressed in the draft and afterward.
Mckenzie went on to say that the Raiders would have liked to re-sign both Kamerion Wimbley as well as Michael Bush but that he knew there would be no chance to keep either, primarily for salary reasons. He said the team currently has less than $4 million left under the cap but could easily make more room if necessary by restructuring some contracts or by signing Tyvon Branch to a long term deal.
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