NFL Free Agency Preview 2012: Oakland Raiders

For the Oakland Raiders free agency is more of a challenge than a chore. Before they can start looking
at players on the open market they’ll need to do some creating accounting. As it stands the Raiders are
well over the salary cap and will need to make some roster moves in order to pursue FAs.

Without a doubt the area of emphasis will be the defense. The Raiders hired a defensive minded coach
in Dennis Allen knowing this team was a few stops away from tasting the postseason for the first time in
almost a decade.

Just about everywhere you look on the defense you’ll see an area of need. Both Kamerion Wimbley and
Aaron Curry could be on their way out which would leave only Rolando McClain as the lone starting
linebacker from last season. Beyond that unit the secondary is huge concern as well. Having already
parted ways with Stanford Routt the silver and black are in need of a top corner. Not to mention their
safety concerns as the last line of defense was pretty much defenseless last season.

About the only strength in the secondary was strong safety Tyvon Branch. He’s getting ready to hit the
open market so the Raiders will have to do something bold to keep him in the fold. There has been talk
of a franchise tag but that doesn’t seem likely.

On offense the Raiders might be looking to get some help on the line as they have a few vets that are
getting a little long in the tooth. Right tackle has been a revolving door in recent years though Khalif
Barnes played surprisingly well last season. Stefen Wisniewski had a stellar rookie year at guard but
most think he’ll take over at center soon enough.

The biggest question of this offseason for Oakland will be what to do with Michael Bush. He’s been
among the best insurance policies in the league lately what with Darren McFadden’s injury issues.
However the franchise number for running backs is $7-million and that is just too much to pay for a
backup. More than likely Bush will get a solid offer to be a starter elsewhere.

The real challenge will be finding value. The Raiders are cap strapped for free agency and are without
any meaningful draft picks. This is going to be an exercise in bargain shopping. I wouldn’t expect the
Raider to make much noise in free agency but as we know you’ve got to expect the unexpected with the
Raiders.

Preview provided by Chris Shellcroft. Check out Just Blog Baby for more on the Oakland Raiders