www.ninersnation.com Open in urlscan Pro
199.232.193.246  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

GET /search

<form action="/search" method="GET" id="global_search_form" data-analytics-class="search">
  <input class="p-input-header__input" name="q" placeholder="Search">
  <input type="submit" class="p-input-header__link p-button" value="Search">
</form>

Text Content

Skip to main content clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Take your picks to the house!
Niners Nation homepage Horizontal - White Niners Nation a San Francisco 49ers
community


FOLLOW NINERS NATION ONLINE:

 * Follow Niners Nation on Twitter
 * Follow Niners Nation on Facebook
 * Follow Niners Nation on Instagram

Log in or sign up
 * Log In
 * Sign Up


SITE SEARCH

Search Search


NINERS NATION MAIN MENU

 * Fanposts
 * DraftKings
 * Fanshots
 * About
 * FanShop
 * Masthead
 * Community Guidelines
 * Odds
 * Fantasy Football
 * 49ers NFL picks center
 * More

Take your picks to the house! All 300 communities on Horizontal - White


 * Fanposts
 * DraftKings
   * DraftKings Sportsbook
   * DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports
 * Fanshots
 * About
 * FanShop
 * Masthead
 * Community Guidelines
 * Odds
 * Fantasy Football
 * 49ers NFL picks center
   ✕



Filed under:


2010 NFL FREE AGENCY PREVIEW: OAKLAND RAIDERS

By Josh Branco Feb 26, 2010, 12:00pm PST


SHARE THIS STORY

 * Share this on Facebook (opens in new window)
 * Share this on Twitter (opens in new window)
 * Share All sharing options


SHARE ALL SHARING OPTIONS FOR: 2010 NFL FREE AGENCY PREVIEW: OAKLAND RAIDERS

 * Reddit (opens in new window)
 * Pocket (opens in new window)
 * Flipboard (opens in new window)
 * Email (opens in new window)

To the casual observer 2009 was just like any other year. The days came and
went, the seasons changed, and the Raiders were still terrible. However, there
is hope for the future. While it didn't necessarily show up in their win-loss
record, Oakland managed to be pretty competitive this season.

Their biggest move so far this off-season was using their franchise tag on
Richard Seymour. He recorded four sacks and a forced fumble in his first year
with the team, after the Raiders traded away their first round pick to get him.
It would have been a big blow their run defense, which is already ranked near
the bottom of the league, if they had lost him to free agency.

Aside from locking up Seymour for another year, most of the headlines regarding
Oakland have to do with JaMarcus Russell. While it is believed that he and Bruce
Gradkowski will compete for the starting job in 2010, the Raiders would do well
to bring in another player to add into the mix. After all of Russell's struggles
we will find out just how loyal Al Davis is to him this year. If JaMarcus
doesn't improve his work ethic and his production on the field, his days in
Oakland could be numbered.

Let's take a look at the Raiders free agents after the jump...

Free Agents

LB Jon Alston (RFA) - Alston got an opportunity to start in 2009 due to Ricky
Brown's injury. He is best suited for a special-teams role.

LB Ricky Brown (RFA) - Brown is not expected to be tendered an offer, and should
hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. He has the ability to play both
strong-side and middle linebacker.

LS Jon Condo (RFA) - Condo served as the Raiders long snapper this season.

FS Hiram Eugene (RFA) - Eugene battled with Michael Huff at free safety. He only
managed one interception.

QB Charlie Frye (RFA) - Frye was brought in as the third string quarterback but
got some time as a starter at the end of the season due to Bruce Gradkowski's
knee injury and JaMarcus Russell's ineffectiveness.

QB Bruce Gradkowski (RFA) - Gradkowski is expected to re-sign with Oakland and
compete with JaMarcus Russell for the starting quarterback job. His stats are
nothing to write home about, but the Raiders' offense improved with him under
center.

LB Thomas Howard (RFA) - Howard has been solid as an outside linebacker for the
Raiders, but he has not made many impact plays during his tenure.

FB Luke Lawton (RFA) - Lawton was the starting fullback in Oakland this season.
He was suspended four games at the end of the year for violating the league's
performance enhancing drugs policy.

C Chris Morris (RFA) - Morris provided depth for the Raiders offensive line.

LB Kirk Morrison (RFA) - Morrison is not a prototypical middle linebacker, but
he has performed admirably in that role for Oakland. He compiled 123 tackles in
2009.

CB Stanford Routt (RFA) - Routt challenged for the starting left cornerback job
before the season, but was eventually relegated to a backup role for the silver
and black.

RB Gary Russell (ERFA) - Russell is a versatile player who spent time at
fullback, tailback, and on special teams.

WR Todd Watkins (RFA) - Watkins made 12 appearances in 2009, but only managed to
record 8 receptions during those games.

Needs

Nose Tackle - The Raiders' defense struggled mightily against the run this
season. Finding a big nose tackle to plug up the running lanes would be a step
towards improving that aspect of the team.

Tackle - Mario Henderson is serviceable at left tackle, but he is not among the
league's elite at the position. If they can find a more athletic player to take
over the left side of the line he could move over to the right side and solidify
that position.

Right Guard - Oakland must upgrade at the right guard spot. Cooper Carlisle has
proven to be ineffective as a starter, and is better suited to a backup role.
Look for the Raiders to target a downhill/run-blocking type of a player for this
spot.

Cornerback - While Chris Johnson just signed a contract extension before last
season, by some accounts he regressed in 2009. He may be able to bounce back to
his 2008 form, but Oakland should still try and add depth at this position. This
will become an even bigger need if they lose Stanford Routt to free agency.

Quarterback - JaMarcus Russell has been terrible at the quarterback position and
while Gradkowski is a step up, he is still better suited for a backup job.
Despite their record, the Raiders were actually fairly competitive in 2009. If
they can find a legit starting quarterback, Oakland could see a dramatic
improvement in 2010.

Linebacker - The Raiders need to look for depth at the linebacker position to
improve their run defense. If Thomas Howard leaves in free agency, they will
also need to replace his production at the starting outside linebacker position.
They are expected to resign Kirk Morrison so they should be fine at the middle
linebacker spot.

Summary

It has been a long time coming, but the Raiders have the makings of a
competitive team. Their first order of business should be upgrading their
offensive line. While it is true that their quarterback play has been horrible,
it is hard for any player to have success when he's constantly running for his
life. It is especially important that they find a more effective player to take
over for Carlisle at right guard.

Once the line is taken care of, look for Oakland to add another quarterback.
Currently they have a stable of backups, but nobody on their depth chart seems
capable of being even an average starting quarterback. Whether or not they
decide to acquire a quarterback through free agency, the draft, or via a trade,
they need to find someone who can make an immediate impact at the position.

On defense, the main concern is improving their ability to stop the run.
Upgrades on the interior of their line should help alleviate their struggles.
The rest of their defensive needs are mainly depth issues.

Football in the Bay Area has been excruciating to watch over the last decade.
While I am no fan of the Raiders, I think it would be great if Oakland could
turn their luck around next season. With some smart moves this offseason,
perhaps the teams on both sides of the bay can put the area back on top of the
football world where it belongs.

Links

 * Silver and Black Pride things Antonio Pierce would be a great addition to
   their team.
 * SPS takes a look at some free agents the Raiders may have an interest in.

Bet Now!
Brandon Aiyuk
To Win Offensive Player of the Year+30000
Odds/Lines subject to change. Eligibility restrictions & terms apply*. See
draftkings.com/sportsbook.



NEXT UP IN SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS NEWS

 * Golden Nuggets: Playoffs, baby
 * 6 Winners and zero losers from the 49ers double-digit win over the Seahawks
 * Golden Nuggets: Aren’t Victory Mondays even sweeter in December?
 * Golden Nuggets: GAME DAY
 * Golden Nuggets: One sleep away
 * Arik Armstead will miss the Seahawks game; Javon Kinlaw to start in his place
   


MOST READ

 1. 
    Kyle Shanahan fears Javon Hargrave suffered a pulled hamstring The hope is
    that Hargrave won’t miss multiple games. We’ll know more later on Monday
    afternoon.
 2. 
    6 Winners and zero losers from the 49ers double-digit win over the Seahawks
    There are no losers after that victory
 3. 
    49ers receive good news on the injury front about Javon Hargrave and
    Charvarius Ward Both players have a chance to play on Sunday, which suggests
    they didn’t suffer long-term injuries
 4. 
    The 49ers officially announced the signing of Jason Verrett to the practice
    squad With Charvarius Ward suffering a groin injury, Verrett may be on the
    active roster sooner than later.
 5. 
    3 quick takeaways from the 49ers 28-16 win over the Seahawks The 49ers swept
    the Seahawks for the second consecutive year on Sunday.





Sponsored Content
 * 
   At $12.6m in value, Australia's biggest ever prize home lottery is here!
   Tickets $10 RSL Art Union G411
   
   Ad is Hidden
   Please tell us why you hid this ad?
    * Inappropriate
    * Misleading
    * Misinformation
    * Repetitive
    * Irrelevant
    * Distracting
   
   
   
 * 
   Forget Expensive Solar Panels (Do This Instead) Live Smart Save Money
   
   Ad is Hidden
   Please tell us why you hid this ad?
    * Inappropriate
    * Misleading
    * Misinformation
    * Repetitive
    * Irrelevant
    * Distracting
   
   
 * 
   [Gallery] She Had The Guts to Wear This Dress At The VMAs Red Carpet
   ScienceA2Z
   
   Ad is Hidden
   Please tell us why you hid this ad?
    * Inappropriate
    * Misleading
    * Misinformation
    * Repetitive
    * Irrelevant
    * Distracting
   
   

 * 
   Do This Coffee Trick And Watch Your Belly Fat Melt! naturalsolutionlab.com
   
   Ad is Hidden
   Please tell us why you hid this ad?
    * Inappropriate
    * Misleading
    * Misinformation
    * Repetitive
    * Irrelevant
    * Distracting
   
   
 * 
   [Gallery] 27+ Shameless Pictures That Define Walmart Customers Investing
   Magazine
   
   Ad is Hidden
   Please tell us why you hid this ad?
    * Inappropriate
    * Misleading
    * Misinformation
    * Repetitive
    * Irrelevant
    * Distracting
   
   
 * 
   Carma | 9 EV myths, busted carma.com.au
   
   Ad is Hidden
   Please tell us why you hid this ad?
    * Inappropriate
    * Misleading
    * Misinformation
    * Repetitive
    * Irrelevant
    * Distracting
   
   




Chorus
 * About Us
 * FanPosts
 * FanShots
 * Masthead
 * Community Guidelines
 * Facebook
 * Twitter
 * YouTube

Horizontal - White
 * Contact
 * Have a News Tip?
 * Browse Blogs
 * SB Nation Masthead
 * Company Blog
 * Blog Openings
 * Editorial Ethics and Guidelines

Vox MediaVox Media Vox Media logo.
 * Terms of Use
 * Privacy Notice
 * Cookie Policy
 * Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Info
 * Licensing FAQ
 * Accessibility
 * Platform Status
 * Advertise with us
 * Jobs @ Vox Media

© 2023 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved


GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
(AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or
visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH),
888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).

21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select
parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT.
Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. On
behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).


SHARE THIS STORY

 * Twitter (opens in new window)
 * Facebook (opens in new window)