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Oakland Raiders: Re-signing David Amerson a Sneaky Good Move

By Russell S. Baxter

May 13, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio (left) and general manager Reggie McKenzie during rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio (left) and general manager Reggie McKenzie during rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland Raiders appear to be making all the right moves so far in 2016. Does that mean the Silver and Black is finally headed back to the playoffs?

It’s been a very busy offseason for the Oakland Raiders.

That’s no surprise. In recent seasons, the Silver and Black has been among the most active franchises in the league when it comes to spending money in free agency.

This offseason, general manager Reggie McKenzie addressed the secondary in a big way. He signed a pair of veteran free agents in cornerback Sean Smith (Kansas City Chiefs) and Pro Bowl free safety Reggie Nelson (Cincinnati Bengals). The team also used a first-round pick on University of West Virginia strong safety Karl Joseph.

Related Story: Oakland Raiders: Good, Bad and More in 2016

But late last week, while the focus around the league was on new contracts for designated franchise players such as Denver’s Von Miller, the Jets’ Muhammad Wilkerson and Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, the Raiders were busy locking up cornerback David Amerson for a few more seasons.

Less than a calendar year after being cut loose by the Washington Redskins, the young defender signed a four-year, $38 million deal with his newest employer (via Spotrac).

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches a pass in front of Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches a pass in front of Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

In February, Chris Phillips of Pro Football Focus named Amrerson (a former Washington Redskins’ second-round pick in 2013) the most improved player in the league. As for his numbers via the league/team, Amerson was sixth on the club with 57 tackles, finished second on the team with four interceptions (1 touchdown) and led the Silver and Black with 25 passes defensed.

The Raiders picked up the former North Carolina State product last September after the ‘Skins released him after just two games. He would play the remainder of the season and start 12 contests for Jack Del Rio’s club. By season’s end, he was the league’s 14th-ranked player at his position.

The combination of Smith and Amerson at the corners, backed up by T.J. Carrie and improving 2013 first-rounder D.J. Hayden, as well as the additions of Nelson and Joseph (with Nate Allen in reserve), bode well for a defensive unit that allowed 25 touchdown passes and finished a disappointing 26th in the league in aerial yards allowed last season. Nelson led the NFL this past season with 10 total takeaways, tying for the league lead with eight interceptions.

Now factor in 2015 All-Pro defender Khalil Mack opposite free-agent addition Bruce Irvin, who should bolster the pass rush from his outside linebacking position. The Oakland defense could be a scary unit indeed.

It has been far too long since the Silver and Black has graced the postseason stage. The Oakland offense made big strides last year thanks to quarterback Derek Carr and wideouts Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper.

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Similar improvement by the defense this fall bodes well for Del Rio and company. And decisions like McKenzie’s to lock down a promising player like Amerson has shown has this program may have finally turned the corner after more than a decade of disappointing moves.

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