Oakland Raiders Team Needs and Offseason Headquarters Page
Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; An Oakland Raiders fan holds a “4-11? Al would not like this!” sign during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. The Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders entered free agency 2014 with the most cap space of any team, at least as far as any of us knew. Armed with over $60 million in space to work with, the Raiders started off making a questionable move, letting both LaMarr Houston and Jared Veldheer leave the team on the open market.
They then replaced Veldheer, their left tackle, with Rodger Saffold of the St. Louis Rams and actually signed him to a richer deal. Saffold was signed up and ready to be a member of the Raiders before a failed physical voided his contract and left the Raiders to pick up the scraps that were left on the free agent market.
Oakland has now made a ton of moves in free agency, signing up some big names to try and rebuild their franchise but major questions remain.
Player Movement
Players Lost
- DE LaMarr Houston (Bears)
- OT Jared Veldheer (Cardinals)
- RB Rashad Jennings (Giants)
- CB Tracy Porter (Redskins)
- DT Vance Walker (Chiefs)
Players Added
- RB Darren McFadden (re-signed)
- OL Khalif Barnes (re-signed)
- OT Austin Howard (Jets)
- DE Justin Tuck (Giants)
- DE LaMarr Woodley (Steelers)
- CB Tarell Brown (49ers)
- DL Antonio Smith (Texans)
- S Usama Young (re-signed)
- WR James Jones (Packers)
- OL Kevin Boothe (Giants)
- OT Donald Penn (Buccaneers)
Team Needs
1. Quarterback
It’s clear that no one presently on the roster is the Raiders’ QB of the future. They need stability at the position, and they’ll likely try to get it early in the 2014 NFL Draft.
2. Cornerback
The Raiders used a high pick on D.J. Hayden last offseason, but they have a huge need on the opposite side and getting some more talent in here is an obvious need. With Tarell Brown signed and Charles Woodson re-signed they can plug some holes but they need to build this position up.
3. Guard
Kevin Boothe can fill a gap for a period, but the Raiders need to add a young talent at guard who can become a staple as Stefen Wisniewski has at center.
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Safety
6. Running Back