2019 Oakland Raiders Discussion

? but in Mark Davis, McKenzie...AND Del Rio I trust.

 

I think the writing was on the wall on this one - and Downing has indeed been promoted to OC. Del Rio didn't trust Musgrave as an OC, thought he was too predictable. Did Del Rio ever say that explicitly? No, but it was clear that Del Rio wasn't happy with play calling.

 

AFC West News:

San Diego Chargers relocate to El Lay... Means a "home" Raider game in SoCal.

 

...agree, just moved down South.

 

Free Agency Talk
Sounds like McGloin is finished in Oakland, but Murray wants to come back.
Can't blame McGloin for wanting a shot. He'd be a career backup in Oakland, for sure, and the chance to be more is alluring. We'll also save some $ by letting him walk, I bet. He was making $2.5M this season. Cook's on rookie scale, and we can sign a journeyman for less than $2.5M to be a third stringer.

I'm a bit worried about the LTM situation. He's only 27 next season, and he's had a successful early career. Sportrac.com is suggesting $3.3M per season as a fair price, but a look at the numbers reveals considerable leverage for his agent:
Murray is 8th in rushing yards over the past two seasons, and he's closer to #1 on the list (308 yards away) than he is to 20th, so he's clearly been one of the ten best rushers over the last two seasons.
He also has the 5th most rushing touchdowns in that span.
And over the past two seasons, his 16-game averages would be: 246 carries, 989 yards, 10 TDs; 39 receptions, 265 receiving yards.

We have to be thinking forward to Carr and Mack, who will need extensions in the next two seasons, but if that $3.3 is in the ballpark, how would you feel about four years, $16M, with $10M guaranteed? We could even front load it for this season to help free up money next season for Carr. Maybe do 3M per season with a 4m signing bonus, with a termination option after year 2?

Other options at RB:
Jalen Richard - 24 years old, massive all-around impact - nearly 500 yards on the ground, nearly 200 through the air, but his contributions on special teams are hard to replace. He finished with 1391 all-purpose yards, finishing just outside the top 10 (1458 needed) this season.
DeAndre Washington - 24 years old, explosive rookie season: 582 yards from scrimmage, 5.4 yards per rush, and 2 TDs. Exceptional change of pace back.
Jamize Olawale - 28 years old, has rushed 41 times for 157 yards and 3 TDs over the past two seasons, adding 21 receptions for 311 yards and a TD. He's a very good FB, and I like him, but he's not a full-time option.
Taiwan Jones - 29 years old, virtually non-existent across six seasons. Solid special teamer, but he's not a RB.

 

Other FAs
Nate Allen
Denico Autry (RFA)
Daren Bates
Jon Condo
DJ Hayden
Andre Holms
Stacy McGee
Perry Riley
Michael Rivera
Malcolm Smith
Brynden Trawick
Menelik Watson

 

Keep the trio of Murray, Ree...shard and Washington. Murray should be near or at his peak before 30. I don't think we'll draft a running back unless a Fournette falls in our lap [highly unlikely]. Jones? He's gone IF someone takes a flyer on him. Olawale made Reece expendable and has been capable on short yardage as well as screen plays.

McGloin? His last as a Raider was the Denver game. A shame it couldn't have been a better send-off. I do like Cook.

 

Yeah. He was on fire vs Houston.

 

...just read that Roberts is a UFA. Even with the dropsies, he was usually a reliable third wide-out. Keeper.

 

...agree with pound that Trawick played fine in the game. Needs through the draft and free agency are defensive tackle, inside linebacker, offensive tackle, slot corner, safety.

 

Secondary needs desperate help. remember that Heeney is coming back.