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News Archive
Jan-Apr 1996
There's a poignant article about Raider great Don Mosebar in today's Mercury News.
Yesterday the Raiders announced the signing of three rookie free agents. One, QB Alfred Montez of Western New Mexico, was previously reported here (4/23/96).
The other two are fullback Kendall Bussey of Northeast Louisiana and guard/center Patrick Kesi of Washington. RaidersNet lists Bussey as 6-1, 235, and Kesi as 6-3, 325.
Source: RaidersNet
RB Ron Pringle, who earlier this month told reporters he had signed with the Raiders, won't be wearing Silver and Black this year. He has signed a contract with Denver.
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, USA Today
The NFL released the 1996 schedule this afternoon, and it's a great one for the Raiders. The Silver and Black will play three Monday night games and a Sunday night game this season. Not only are two of the three Monday night games at home, but they're against Denver and Kansas City! What better opportunity for the Raiders to settle some scores from last year?
The Oakland Tribune reports today that the Raiders have signed free agent QB Alfred Montez. What little I could find out about him comes from the Draft Day! Web site. He's 6-2, 215 lbs., runs the 40 in a not-so-fast 5.05, and attended Western New Mexico. He was ranked in the bottom third of quarterbacks. Most likely he'll be camp fodder.
Source: Raiders Fans Mail List, Draft Day! (http://pages.prodigy.com/nfldraft/main.htm)
As the draft continued, many of the remaining top prospects at running back and offensive tackle were taken in the fourth round. Running backs selected included Stephen Davis, Brian Milne, Chris Darkins and Stanley Pritchett. Among the tackles picked were Jason Odom, Hunter Goodwin, Heath Irwin, Norberto Garrido, and Jon Runyon. Safety Ray Farmer was also taken in the 4th.
With their 5th round compensatory pick (#34, 166th overall) the Raiders selected nose tackle La'Roi Glover of San Diego State.
In the sixth round (#16, 183rd overall), the Raiders took FB Tim Hall of Robert Morris.
With their three seventh-round picks, the Raiders chose: DE Sedric Clark of Tulsa, C Darius Smith of Sam Houston, and tackle Joe Wylie from Stephen F. Austin. Wylie is projected to play G in the NFL.
The Raiders traded up in the first round today to draft TE Rickey Dudley of Ohio State.
In return for Houston's 9th pick, the Raiders gave up their first-rounder (#17 overall), 2nd-round pick (#48 overall, acquired from Atlanta for Patrick Bates), and 4th-round pick (#109 overall).
Then, later in the day, the Raiders traded again. This time they gave New England their 3rd, 4th and one of their 5th-round picks (numbers 76, 124 and 149 overall) to get New England's late 2nd-round pick (57th overall). With that pick they selected LB/DE Lance Johnstone of Temple.
Following these trades, the Raiders' next pick will come tomorrow, in the fifth round.
The early picks in the draft have provided some surprises. Going earlier than predicted have been offensive linemen and safeties.
Linemen: in addition to Jonathan Ogden and Willie Anderson, linemen Pete Kendall, Jeff Hartings, Jermane Mayberry, John Michels, Jamain Stephens and Andre Johnson all were picked in the first round. Of these, all but Hartings are tackles.
Safeties: Jerome Woods was picked in the first round, and Lawyer Milloy and Jerod Cherry (a corner in college but will play safety in the pros) went in the early part of the second.
The Raiders finally announced, only today, the signing of S Darren Carrington. That news was reported here over a week ago.
There's a fairly detailed bio of Carrington on RaidersNet.
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, RaidersNet
The NFL draft will occupy center stage today and tomorrow. Festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time and will be televised on ESPN and ESPN2. There will also be a "virtual cybercast" on RaidersNet featuring former Raiders.
Sources: San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle
Rumors, rumors, rumors— you want some rumors, we got some rumors.
Late evening update: ESPN's Chris Mortensen writes that the Raiders are shopping Anthony Smith to Jacksonville for a second or third-round pick, which would then be used to try to get TE Johnnie Mitchell.
Mid-afternoon update: Mel Kiper is now predicting that Oakland will draft in Houston's #9 spot in the first round after the two teams exchange picks. Since every predicted effect must have a cause, it is now rumored that Oakland and Houston are talking. Supposedly the Raiders would want to trade up to ensure getting TE Rickey Dudley.
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, Raiders Fans Mail List
The Raiders' Bruce Allen confirmed yesterday that the team has released former SS Derrick Hoskins.
"With the addition of (free-agent safety) Lorenzo Lynch and hopefully some others," Allen said, "we thought it would be best for Derrick to be a free agent now so he could find a home."
Meanwhile, on the personnel front, trade rumors continue fast and furious this morning. The Raiders are said to have been spurned by Arizona in their efforts to get Eric Swann and to have turned their attention now to Jacksonville's #2 pick. Supposedly McGlockton and draft picks for the Jacksonville pick, with which the Raiders would grab UCLA T Jonathan Ogden.
Yesterday's other rumor involving the Raiders is still alive, too. In that scenario it's now the Raiders acquiring TE Johnnie Mitchell from the Jests for a third-round pick plus something more, the "something more" being the current sticking point.
Sources: Raiders Fans Mail List, San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle
According to Raider fan Eric Nilson, the East Bay's Argus Newspaper Group is reporting that the Raiders quietly released SS Derrick Hoskins some two weeks ago. His agent says that the Raiders want to go to what is essentially a four-CB secondary, with Lorenzo Lynch playing a hybrid CB/S.
The article also says Chester McGlockton has been told he won't be traded.
(Despite that alleged assurance, hot rumors at this very moment have the Raiders trying to work a deal with Arizona for unhappy DT Eric Swann. Supposedly it would be Chester plus players or Chester plus picks for Swann.)
Another rumor: Oakland is one of several teams talking to the Jests about TE Johnnie Mitchell. The word is that New York wants a 2nd-round pick; Oakland has offered a 3rd.
Sources: Scripps-McClatchy Western Service, San Francisco Chronicle
In a salary cap-related move yesterday, the Raiders made room for Pat Harlow by removing the transition player designation from former starting left tackle Gerald Perry, in effect waiving their right of first refusal and releasing him. This means that Perry is now an unrestricted free agent. At the same time, he no longer counts against the cap.
Said team senior assistant Bruce Allen, "We haven't agreed on (Perry's) value and maybe this is a better way to figure out what his value is," Allen said. "Getting Pat Harlow and his flexibility—even though we're going to plug him in on the right side—makes us pretty happy."
Also today, the Raiders traded reluctant safety Patrick Bates to Atlanta for a 2nd-round pick (#48 overall). The trade is contingent upon Bates passing a physical. In essence, the Raiders recovered the 2nd-round pick they gave up yesterday for T Pat Harlow.
According to the San Francisco Examiner, Bates, the Raiders' first-round pick (12th overall) in the 1993 draft, recently decided he wanted to play again and initiated conversations with the Raiders.
Give Al Davis credit for a brilliant series of moves in which, basically, he swapped Patrick Bates for Pat Harlow and a 4th-round pick. Here it is in slow motion.
First, on Wednesday the Raiders trade their original second-rounder (#46 overall) to the 49ers for their second-round pick (57 overall) and fourth-round pick (124).
Minutes later, in a trade they've been planning for months, the Raiders ship that new second-rounder to New England for Harlow. To fit Harlow under the salary cap, the Raiders remove the "transition player" label from tackle Gerald Perry, making him an unrestricted free agent. They immediately sign Harlow to a multi-year contract extension. (He was scheduled to earn $1.4 million this year. ESPN reported his new deal is for three years at $5.7 million.)
Then, in the crowning glory, today Davis somehow manages to talk Atlanta into giving up a 2nd-round pick for Bates, a known "head" case who refuses to play for the Raiders. So—add it up. Al's given up Bates and pick #46 to get Harlow, pick #48 and pick 124.
Not too shabby, Al!!
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Here's some background on the latest new Raider, T Pat Harlow. The anonymous scouts' comments are taken from my trusty 1995 preseason mag, Ultimate Sports Pro Football.
Just turned 27; 6-6, 290, attended USC. Has played 5 NFL seasons. Drafted by New England in the first round (11th overall) in 1991. Has played both left and right tackle. Also has a history of foot and back problems (two operations for a bulging disk in his back, most recently in 1992). A native of Southern California.
The Chronicle described him as "the Raiders' kind of guy. He owns a Harley Davidson "Fat Boy" motorcycle, he grew up in Southern California idolizing Howie Long, and he joins the Oakland organization nursing a grudge against his former team."
Scout #1: "Sound technician. Doesn't bend as well as you'd like, but he makes excellent use of his long arms in pass protection. Can slide, anchor. You've got to change up your rushes and make him move to beat him. He's harder to bull than finesse."
Scout #2: "He's a solid guy. Blocks better for the pass than run. Good punch and set. Good arm extension. Decent feet. He doesn't show much explosion on his run blocks. Doesn't sink his hips and drive people off, but he stays after it. He's tenacious."
Scout #3: "Great competitor. Got a lot of spunk. If his back stays healthy, he's going to be a good player. A definite red-plus."
Harlow was graded at 5.8 overall on a scale of 8. For purposes of comparison, Gerald Perry got a 6.3 and Greg Skrepenak a 5.2.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, Ultimate Sports Pro Football
Remember those trade rumors back in early March concerning New England tackle Pat Harlow? Well, they came to pass today as the Raiders acquired Harlow from the Patsies for Oakland's second-round choice in this weekend's draft. That pick, #57 overall, was acquired just minutes earlier in a trade of draft picks with the Forty-Whiners.
Assistant head coach Joe Bugel commented, "I've long been impressed with Pat Harlow's playing ability. He is equally adept at playing both offensive tackle positions, which is rare in this league."
The deal came shortly after the Raiders traded their second-round pick in the draft, the 46th selection overall, for the Whiners' second-round (57th overall) and fourth-round (124th overall) picks.
The Raiders and Harlow agreed to a multi-year contract extension, details of which weren't released. Harlow was to be paid about $1.4 million this year with the Patriots, and would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency at the end of the season.
Harlow, a native of Norco, in southern California, had this to say: "I'm ecstatic about joining the Raiders. Joining the Raiders is a dream come true. Growing up in Norco, I've always followed them, especially for their rich tradition of big, dominating offensive lines."
Reader David Spriet reports hearing this juicy rumor last night on the One on One Sports radio program: that the Raiders are ready to deal DT Chester McGlockton if they can move up high enough in the draft to nab UCLA offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden.
Virtually all draft experts agree that Ogden, 6-8 and 318 pounds, will go in the top three choices. He is a genuine franchise type player. So, if the rumor is true, the Raiders would have to be talking to one of these three teams: New York Jets, Jacksonville, or Arizona. Stay tuned . .
.It seems Mike Pringle spoke prematurely in announcing that he has a contract deal with the Raiders.
"We've called and we have some interest in him," Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said Tuesday. "But it's not something we'll look at until after the draft."
Pringle was quoted on Tuesday as saying, "I'm very comfortable with the Raiders' offer." Replied Allen, "I don't want to embarrass Mike. I just don't know why he would say that, though."
Also, there has been no confirmation of yesterday's report that the Raiders have signed S Darren Carrington.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Today's San Francisco Chronicle includes contract figures for QB Jeff Hostetler which are both more detailed and considerably lower than those published in the San Francisco Examiner on April 3.
According to the Chron, the contract Hostetler signed last week is worth $13.3 million over four years, making him the highest-paid player on the Raiders.
Hostetler got a $3 million signing bonus and will earn $1.2 million next season. He stands to make $2 million in 1997, $3.5 million in '98 and $3.6 million in '99. The average annual salary of $3.325 million moves Hostetler past defensive tackle Russell Maryland as Oakland's highest-paid player.
Raider fan Chris Peterson reports that the Raiders have signed former Jacksonville S Darren Carrington. Carrington's aunt is the security guard for the building in which Peterson works and apparently she heard about it from her family over the weekend.
Carrington is listed at 6-2, 200 lbs. and has played 7 seasons. He attended Northern Arizona.
Here are two anonymous scouts' comments from last year's preseason mag Ultimate Sports Pro Football:
Scout #1: "I think he's a lot better against the pass than run. He has good anticipation and ball skills. Seems to have a feel for what the quarterback is doing and the routes that are being run. And he has the hand-eye ability to make the play on the ball, not just knock it down."
Scout #2: "He's got prototypical size and speed. His run support is aggressive. His range and radar in two deep are very good. What he can't do is cover man-to-man. He's not that quick and he's a little stiff."
Source: Raiders Fans Mail List
According to a report in the Toronto Mail and Globe, the Raiders will sign RB Mike Pringle this week to a one-year contract for $150,000. The paper reports that additional incentives could bring the total close to $300,000.
Pringle was the MVP of the Canadian Football League last year, rushing for 1,791 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. He set the current CFL record for season rushing yardage with 1,972 yards in 1994.
Pringle, who lives in Los Angeles, said he probably will be used as a backup to Harvey Williams and Napoleon Kaufman and as an extra back on third-down situations.
"I'm told that they'll want me to return kicks, too," Pringle said. "I'm looking forward to that."
The San Francisco Examiner reported in today's afternoon edition that QB Jeff Hostetler's new contract is for $14.7 million, with performance incentives that could bring the total to $15 million.
Head coach Mike White called the signing "a gigantic step" for the Raiders. "You have the best possible guy who is now back as the quarterback. With the signing of Billy Joe (Hobert) and now Jeff, the direction of this program, certainly in the near future, is set. We know where we're going, we know how we're going to get there, and we know who the people are going to be that are going to get the job done."
With Hostetler now in the fold, much of yesterday's press conference was focused on the state of the Raiders' offensive line, and in particular, the tackle positions. Last year's starting right tackle, Greg Skrepenak, departed for Carolina, and left tackle Gerald Perry, the team's transition player, is still unsigned, leaving the team short on depth at this critical position.
"We've got some big-name players, but the key to winning isn't me or Tim Brown or Harvey Williams," said Hostetler. "It isn't the little accessory guys. It's the big guys up front."
"We need some more depth in that area. We need to replace the tackle we lost. I know it's something the Raiders are addressing."
Senior assistant Bruce Allen, who has been handling the contract negotiations, said he doesn't consider the team to be "desperate" at tackle. He added that the Raiders are still looking at several candidates, including Perry and former San Diego tackle Harry Swayne. Perry's agent expects to begin talks with Allen today or tomorrow.
Coach Mike White's take on it: "We're OK there, but it's still one of our pressing needs." He added that in order for Hostetler to remain healthy, "He needs to use some discretion. He has so much courage in the pocket; when he was younger, he took the punishment."
White went out of his way to try to put to rest rumors that the Raiders hadn't really wanted Hostetler back. "We don't have to fool around anymore," he said. "We haven't shopped and (Hostetler) hasn't, either. Those were just rumors. We feel we have the best possible guy back at quarterback for us."
White also reiterated Tuesday that the team will emphasize the long ball again this year. "We have to take advantage of our speed."
"To find out if I can throw the long ball, you'll find out this year," Hostetler said. "I have nothing that is hindering me from throwing the ball deep."
Oakland City Council member Ignacio De La Fuente said a meeting is scheduled for Friday morning to select the site for the Raiders' in-season practice facility.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, Scripps-McClatchy Western Service
The news conference to announce Jeff Hostetler's signing finally took place today. Said Hoss, "I'm thrilled to have the contract situation behind me. I'm excited about the future here, playing for the Raiders, being a Raider."
Asked about the Raiders' talent, Hostetler replied, "We've got the physical talent. Sometimes you've got to bring along the mental toughness, the attitude, the preparation along with it. I'm excited about being here and getting us to that point and getting us where we should be, and that's playing for championships."
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
The press conference scheduled for today to announce the signing of Jeff Hostetler was postponed until tomorrow after bad weather in West Virginia prevented Hostetler from flying to Oakland.
Both team spokesman Mike Taylor and Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen confirmed the contract. Neither would discuss terms, however.
Sources: Associated Press, Oakland Tribune, ESPNet SportsZone
According to ESPNet SportsZone, free agent QB Jeff Hostetler will sign a four-year contract with the Raiders. A news conference to announce the signing is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. (PST).
Although Hostetler was an unrestricted free agent, his last contract gave the Raiders a right to match any other team's offer.
ESPNet also reported earlier today that the Raiders have re-signed CB James Trapp. Terms were not disclosed.
It's been a slow week for Raiders news. If you're looking for some diversion, check out the Raiders trivia contest on RaidersNet, the team's official web site.
The Raiders announced today that they have chosen Napa—in the North Bay Area, roughly 50 miles from Oakland—as their pre-season training camp site. No decision has yet been made on where the team will practice during the regular season.
For more information see the Articles section.
Tim Brown was re-elected today to another two-year term on the Executive Committee of the NFL Players Association.
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
Lots of Raiders news this morning.
On the Billy Joe Hobert extension:
Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said, "The quarterback free-agent market is very volatile. That's why we wanted to address Billy Joe's situation today, rather than 365 days from now. Too many variables would be involved then."
Said coach Mike White: "I think Billy Joe has the ability to be a very good NFL quarterback. He needs to play as much as he can in the preseason. He needs to stay in town in the offseason, as he's doing, and work with the receivers and (quarterbacks coach) Larry Kennan."
"We've made a long-term commitment because we see these qualities in him. He's tough. His work ethic is better. I think he realizes he has the ability, if he's handled properly."
Although White said the Raiders still want Jeff Hostetler to return, presumably as the starter, he added, "I wouldn't rule anything out. If we have to go to Plan B for whatever reason, I have a lot of faith in Billy Joe."
"I'd prefer Billy Joe be where he is, making a strong, strong run at Hostetler," White said. "But I wouldn't throw up my hands if Billy Joe is the starter."
On the continuing negotiations with Jeff Hostetler:
"Time creates doubt, creates rumors," White said. "Is he or isn't he? Well, I have no doubt that Jeff wants to come back. He was one of the first guys I talked to when the season was completed. He looked me in the eyes and said, 'I want to be a Raider.'"
White said he thinks Hostetler can function well in this year's offense, which will feature more of the vertical passing game. "No one has ever questioned whether he can throw a deep ball," White said. "Is it his strength? I don't know, but it's something he has a burning desire to prove."
On the division of coaching responsibilities:
White will be less directly involved in running the offense this year. New quarterbacks coach Larry Kennan will handle the offensive play-calling.
"I was sort of having fun calling a few plays," White said. "Joe (Bugel) was involved. Jimmy Fassel was involved. We had a heckuva deal going on, but without the exactness that you have to have . . . I now will back away from that and administer the Raider football program. It's not necessarily the way I'd like to do it, it's just the reality."
On free agent QB Vince Evans' status:
"The Vince Evans decision has always been made in June or July, and I don't see any change in that this year," White said. Although unsigned, Evans, who has said he wants to return, will participate in the team's offseason conditioning drills.
Mike White on his own mistakes last year as a rookie head coach:
White said the Raiders, infamous for restricting press access to their locker room, will allow more access once they complete the move to Oakland. "When we got accused of having (pre)recorded press conferences, I saw that our credibility was a little shaky," he said. "I'm a year smarter. You learn things, even when you reach my position. Things change."
White also conceded that he made a number of mistakes last season. He said he overemphasized the Dallas game, and questioned his players' leadership skills when they lost it. He characterized himself as too involved with installing the short passing game to sit down and talk with each of his players. That, he said, is why he had no answers when the Raiders collapsed at season's end.
White added that some players weren't in shape and promised this year will be different. "We lost our ability to play physical football. We were not a physical team at the end of the season. Our players want to be more physical."
Finally, White conceded that he needed to establish better discipline with his players. "A lot of their concerns were my concerns," he said. "The player of today wants discipline. I was really impressed they feel we need as strong of a disciplinary process as we can have."
Miscellaneous notes:
The Raiders gave former Buffalo S Matt Darby a workout and physical at El Segundo last week.
Concerning former San Francisco T Steve Wallace, White had this to say: "He's someone we've talked about. We have not made a decision yet. I know Steve Wallace knows how to play, and he knows how to practice . . . but so much depends on the salary cap, and what his demands might be."
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, San Jose Mercury News, Nando.net
Said coach Mike White yesterday of QB Billy Joe Hobert's new multiyear contract extension, "It was an important step in securing the team's future at the quarterback position. We're pleased with his progress, and he's ready to make the ascension."
White also said that the Raiders still want Jeff Hostetler back as their starting quarterback and continue negotiating with his agent. Hostetler apparently is ahead of his rehabilitation schedule following the surgery on his left shoulder.
Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said there are other teams involved in negotiations but that Hostetler and his agent wanted to "work it out with us first."
As for the status of QB Vince Evans, White said the team will decide in June whether to keep him. White added the Raiders are not interested in free agent quarterbacks Randall Cunningham or Jeff George.
In another development, White said C Don Mosebar has retired. It remains unclear whether Mosebar will recover the vision in his injured eye.
The Raiders urged Mosebar not to consider a comeback but to instead undergo another operation to restore his sight. They will probably offer him a position in the organization.
Sources: Nando Sports Server, ESPNet SportsZone, San Francisco Examiner
New Raider Larry Brown is in the news this evening in connection with a good deed he's planning. Click here to read the article on Nando.net. (There's more on ESPNet if you're a subscriber.)
At a press conference in Oakland this morning, Raiders coach Mike White announced that QB Billy Joe Hobert has been signed to a multiyear contract extension. White provided no details as to length or salary.
White also said he expects the team to announce the location of its training site next week, and that it will be in the East Bay.
Finally, he said the Raiders are still evaluating former San Francisco T Steve Wallace.
Sources: Raiders Fans Mail List, ESPNet SportsZone
Another free agent tackle possibility got away from the Raiders yesterday when James "Big Cat" Williams agreed to a 4-year, $9.2 million dollar deal with Chicago.
Source: Nando.net
Head coach Mike White, largely silent since last season's end, had a fair amount to say Wednesday about the Raiders, and there were some surprises.
The Raiders consider the safety position their top offseason priority. "That is a high priority for us, continuing in free agency, as well as one of our top priorities in the draft," said White. "It is as significant a need, still, as we have . . . both safety positions."
Despite the signing of CB Larry Brown, White said he does not plan to move Albert Lewis to safety. He also said the sudden departure last year of Patrick Bates "still haunts us," and that he expects Bates, 25, to play again, though it may not be for the Raiders.
White called new Raiders Russell Maryland and Larry Brown "significant additions" to the Raiders because of their work ethic and leadership. He said DT Jerry Ball, whose place in the lineup Maryland will take, recently had minor shoulder surgery but also needs to lose weight. "He was really out of shape by the end of the year," commented White, adding that Ball "became one of those older players whose priorities were spread a little thin."
Asked about the persistent rumors that the Raiders want to sign QB Jeff George, White responded, "We actually have expressed no interest in (George) and, as far as I know, do not intend to . . . . It serves no purpose for us to do anything other than say that he's a heck of a quarterback, because frankly, by getting involved, all you're doing is doing someone else's negotiating for them." White stressed that the Raiders see defense, not offense, as the area needing the most improvement and have spent their free agent dollars accordingly.
Second year players C Barret Robbins and T Jeff Kysar, drafted in the second and fifth rounds, respectively, last year, will get a long look this summer.
White spoke frankly when asked about the Raiders' ability to throw deep. "Jeff (Hostetler) is going to have to work on that aspect of his game in the offseason. Jeff can do it. He just has to work on it. He just has never spent the necessary time on that aspect of it."
White called Billy Joe Hobert, last year's No. 3 quarterback, "a natural" long-ball passer, adding that Hobert will begin this year as No. 2 whether or not Vince Evans is back. That was last year's plan, too, White said, but he kept Evans as No. 2 following a good showing in an exhibition game.
"Our intent last year was to make Billy Joe the backup quarterback all year, and get him ready for this kind of an attack, and begin to tap his ability to throw the ball deep and just develop a young quarterback," White said. Ultimately, White said, not doing that "really hurt Billy's development."
On the Raiders' intent to re-establish the long ball this year, White offered this explanation: "It became obvious to me (last year) that one of our biggest mistakes was we didn't emphasize the long pass early enough, and didn't ingrain it. We have got to make people respect the deep pass. We talked about it last year, but . . . we just never, ever, got to establishing it. And at the end of the year when we needed a couple of big plays, no matter who it was, we couldn't do it."
White specifically said he did not fault wide receivers Raghib Ismail and James Jett, who between them caught only 41 passes for 670 yards, for a lack of production. He said, "One of the painful experiences that we learned is that we neglected two of our better players."
Finally, White said the team will keep only one placekicker on the roster this year. Apparently Jeff Jaeger and Cole Ford will compete for the job in preseason.
Click HERE to read the full articles.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
The Scripps-McClatchy papers are reporting today that C Don Mosebar has been released by the Raiders and that head coach Mike White said he expects second-year player Barret Robbins to "push" Dan Turk for the starting job next season.
White said Mosebar needs another operation on his eye and that cutting him was the only way to assure Mosebar would go through with the surgery. White said Mosebar might have unwisely postponed the surgery in an effort to play next year had he not been released.
A cynic might suggest that the salary cap was also a factor. NFL teams can no longer afford high-salaried backups, and it was unlikely that Mosebar, 34, would have beaten out Robbins for the starting job.
Mosebar still has not recovered more than very limited, fuzzy vision in the injured eye. Before the injury he had started 93 consecutive games for the Raiders.
Mike White finally admitted yesterday what the entire league had known for a long time: Jeff Hostetler's right elbow hasn't been 'right' since 1994. White also hinted that Billy Joe Hobert may push Hostetler for the starting job. The Raiders continue to negotiate with Hoss and met with his agent Tuesday.
Source: Scripps-McClatchy Western Service
The NFL yesterday awarded 31 compensatory choices in the upcoming college draft to 17 teams which lost unrestricted free agents last year. The Raiders received two of the picks, one in the fifth round (#34) and one in the seventh (#39).
Under the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team that loses more compensatory free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive up to a maximum of four compensatory draft picks, according to a formula devised by the NFL Management Council Executive Committee. The formula is based on lost players' salary and performance. In the Raiders' case, the losses of Donald Frank, Winston Moss, Lionel Washington, and Alexander Wright were deemed to outweigh the acquisitions of Derrick Fenner and Kerry Cash.
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, Raiders Fans Mail List
Here's background info on the newest Raider, S Lorenzo Lynch. The anonymous scouts' comments are taken from last summer's preseason magazine Ultimate Sports Pro Football.
Biographical: 5-11, 200 pounds, has played 9 years in the NFL; grew up in Oakland and attended Cal State - Sacramento. Signed as a free agent in 1987. As a kid, sold peanuts at Raider games in the House of Thrills. Turns 33 next month; started 12 games at strong safety for Arizona last season and made 79 tackles. Lynch played six seasons with the Cardinals and, before that, three with the Chicago Bears.
Scout 1: "He's not a playoff-caliber strong safety. He'll come up and hit. He can cover most of the traditional tight ends, and run with the slower backs. If he's on the third receiver and trying to play him man-on-man, he's going to have problems. He's better in zone."
Scout #2: "They've been trying to run him off for years and he keeps sticking around. He's played corner, strong safety, free safety. His biggest asset is his versatility."
Overall, the mag gave him a grade of 5.4 on an 8-point scale. (For purposes of comparison, corners T-Mac and Aeneas Williams rated 7.0 and 6.9, respectively; Eddie Anderson was 5.7, Hoskins 5.5.)
Although Lynch is obviously no speed merchant, he does sound like a playmaker, which is what a safety ought to be. He forced 4 fumbles last year despite missing the last month of the season with a hamstring pull. Starting safeties Eddie Anderson and Derrick Hoskins together forced only 3. Also, Lynch had an incredible 140-tackle season in 1994.
"I am thrilled to be coming home to play in front of my family and friends and for a team that I've grown up idolizing," said Lynch, who lives in Oakland during the offseason. Head coach Mike White called Lynch a "productive" player who has proven valuable both at cornerback and safety, as well as on special teams.
Lynch was a salary cap victim at Arizona, where he would have made $800,000 this season. He figures to be a quality backup to Derrick Hoskins, who is coming off knee surgery. Because of his versatility, his signing may have made either Dan Land ($500,000 last season) or Eddie Anderson ($1,200,000) expendable.
Sources: Ultimate Sports Pro Football, Associated Press, Bloomberg, ESPNet SportsZone, San Francisco Chronicle
The Associated Press reports that safety Lorenzo Lynch, cut by Arizona Tuesday, has signed a three-year contract with the Raiders. It did not report on terms.
I'll have background info on Lynch here tomorrow.
Trade rumors about DE Anthony Smith grow louder each day. The Raiders are very close to the cap—how could they not be after what they paid Larry Brown and Russell Maryland?—and Smith would make $1.6 million this year. To date supposedly only Washington has expressed any interest in Smith.
Trading Smith would likely allow the Raiders to sign former San Francisco T Steve Wallace—if Wallace can satisfy the Raiders' doubts about his physical condition. "First we have to determine what's wrong with him physically," said Al Davis. "He started many games and came out after one or two series for (Kirk) Scrafford."
Davis acknowledged the Raiders probably will make some moves to fit under the salary cap. "We'll have to do some creative things to get where we want to be," he said.
Free agent DE/LB Aaron Wallace visited Denver yesterday. He would seem to have little place in the Raiders' plans. He made almost a million dollars in salary last season but contributed little.
Some further tidbits from Al Davis's impromptu press conference Wednesday:
He expects the Raiders to have a permanent regular-season training facility in the East Bay ready by mid-June: "We're going to be here, that's for sure." He didn't specify where, though most signs point toward the old site on Doolittle Drive in Oakland. He also said that the team will decide on a new summer training site within the next 10 days. (The mayor of Morgan Hill later told reporters that Morgan Hill is one of two finalists.)
Asked about Jeff George, Davis said only, "We haven't decided definitely that we want him." As for unsigned quarterback Jeff Hostetler: "We've been in touch with Hostetler's agent for the last two weeks. We'll see what happens. . . . It's early yet. I think there are going to be trades (in the league)."
Davis sidestepped most of the other questions relating to personnel, saying such matters were Mike White's province. "I'm trying to keep a distance and have Mike keep the credibility and integrity of his job."
Davis scoffed at reports that assistant head coach Joe Bugel's new contract pays him $700,000 a year, labeling such reports "ludicrous." "Miami, because they couldn't get him," said Davis, "passed a rumor that we gave him whatever they said we gave him. In reality he has the same contract that he had."
Asked about the team's six-game losing streak to end the 1995 season, Davis replied, "We had a new coach. I think Mike White learned something about himself and the team. . . . We just didn't get it done." Davis indicated there would not be any major housecleaning, saying, "I believe in addition (signing free agents) rather than subtraction."
Someone brought up the Raiders' rather mediocre record during the last decade. Referring to the constant litigation that has absorbed much of his time, Davis conceded, "I haven't been fair to the organization the last 15 years, it's been total uncertainty all the time." He added about losing, "We've got work to do, no question. The agony of defeat eats on you. It hurts."
Finally, in a statement that was pure Al Davis, he promised the return of the long ball this year. "We've got to have the ability to get over the top," Davis said. "We've shown we can move the ball by spraying it."
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, San Jose Mercury News, Associated Press
S Lorenzo Lynch, 32, cut Tuesday by Arizona, didn't waste any time looking for a new job. He visited the Raiders in El Segundo today and may go to Denver tomorrow.
Source: Raiders Fans Mail List
Raider fan Wade Richardson reports hearing on radio station KNBR yesterday that Don Mosebar will announce his retirement from football on March 23.
Tackle Watch
It's official—the Raiders finally announced yesterday that they have signed guard/tackle Charles McRae (left) to a two-year, $800,000 contract.
Team executive Bruce Allen said they may also talk with T Steve Wallace, cut by San Francisco Monday to clear room under the salary cap.
Al Davis says everything is on schedule for the Raiders' move back to Oakland. He expects the team to finish relocating by mid-June.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, Associated Press
The Raiders may have signed a tackle yesterday. The Argus, a sister paper to the Oakland Tribune, reported that the team has signed free agent Charles McRae, formerly of Tampa Bay, to a two-year deal. No other online source has carried this story yet.
According to The Argus, McRae will receive $300,000 this season and $500,000 in 1997, plus various incentive clauses. He was the 7th pick overall in the 1991 draft and had been playing under a five-year, $4.7 million contract but could never permanently crack the Schmucks' starting lineup. Tampa Bay played him at both the guard and tackle positions. The Raiders project him as a full-time tackle, but not necessarily a starter, so he is not the answer to the team's need for top-quality starting tackles.
The Raiders now have 3 first-rounders from the 1991 draft on the roster: Russell Maryland (#1), Bruce Pickens (#3), and McRae (#7).
The Argus says that when assistant head coach Joe Bugel was the head coach at Arizona, he worked out McRae after his senior year at Tennessee. (Bugel elected to draft Eric Swann instead). The fact that Bugel is familiar with McRae may explain why the Raiders apparently signed him without his even visiting El Segundo. It may also reflect an increasing role for Bugel in personnel decisions.
See yesterday's news (below) for a link to further information on McRae.
The Argus also reported that S Darren Carrington worked out with the Raiders Friday.
Source: Eric Nilson
An article in this morning's San Francisco Chronicle contains some pretty wild speculation about QB Jeff Hostetler.
First, writer Ron Kroichick claims a "source close to the Steelers" says the Tin Men will "definitely" pursue Hoss. But the Rooney family already has a long track record of reluctance to go after expensive free agents, and yesterday Pittsburgh shelled out a major part of what it saved with the departure of Neil O'Donnell by signing T Will Wolford to replace the departed Leon Searcy. It would be a major surprise if the club were also willing to sign Hostetler, at least for any substantial kind of money.
Kroichick also writes that the Raiders, who are negotiating with Hostetler's agent, could be negotiating a five-year deal for the quarterback, who will be 35 next month. Claims Kroichick, "One published report said the Raiders were preparing a 'staggering' five-year offer for Hostetler. While dismissing the report, [Raiders executive Bruce] Allen acknowledged a five-year contract was 'not inconceivable'."
Huuuhhhh?
On the tackle front, Chumpster free agent Harry Swayne visited El Segundo yesterday and took a physical. Swayne had major knee reconstruction surgery just seven weeks ago.
Kroichick also says the team is interested in Chicago's James "Big Cat" Williams and Tampa Bay's Richard McRae. The Bucs' tackle is actually named Charles McRae, and he's nothing to write home about.
Go to the Articles menu for info on the three tackles.
ESPN's John Clayton claims this morning that Philadelphia has agreed with Green Bay QB Ty Detmer on a 2-year contract and will announce it at a press conference today.
There are increasing indications that Jeff Hostetler may have received little interest in the free agent market, at least at the $3 million a year figure he is said to be seeking. Philadelphia was one of two teams in which Hoss was interested. The Beagles worked him out last week but never extended an offer.
The other team, Pittsburgh, is traditionally reluctant to distort its salary structure for high-priced free agents. In the wake of the Neil O'Donnell defection, the Tin Men are putting up a brave front about possibly going with a second-year quarterback—either Kordell Stewart or Jim Miller—next season if necessary.
San Francisco radio station KNBR reported yesterday that Hostetler had canceled planned visits to Arizona and Pittsburgh and was negotiating to return to the Raiders.
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, Reuters NewMedia, KNBR, Associated Press
Former New Orleans T Richard Cooper won't be working out for the Raiders next week as reported yesterday. Philadelphia signed him yesterday. The pool of available free agent tackles is shrinking by the day . . .
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, Reuters NewMedia
According to this morning's San Francisco Chronicle, the Raiders aren't oblivious to their needs at the offensive tackle positions. They had Chicago's James "Big Cat" Williams—all 6-7 and 335 pounds of him—in for a tryout this week, and expect New Orleans' Richard Cooper to visit El Segundo next week. The team may also look at San Diego's Harry Swayne, although he's coming off surgery on both knees.
The article also speculates that Arizona, following its $9 million signing of T Lomas Brown yesterday, has dropped out of contention for a shot at signing free agent Jeff Hostetler.
Early this morning, and since the Chron article was written, Neil O'Donnell decided to sign with the New York Jets. This will presumably make Pittsburgh also a candidate for Hostetler's services.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, ESPNet SportsZone
Judging by the canned press statement from Coach Mike White yesterday, it seems the Raiders plan to largely abandon last season's attempt at a West Coast offense involving shorter passes and return to the vertical-stretch passing game.
"The Raiders have an excellent group of receivers," White said in a statement released by the team, "and we'll look to get them the ball downfield more often next season in order to better utilize their explosive talents. [New QB coach Larry Kennan] has shown the ability to work with young players and will assist in further developing our passing game."
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News
Today's Chron speculates that DE Anthony Smith may be on the trading block because of his $1.6 million salary, at least if Nolan Harrison is projected to start this year.
There have been trade rumors involving New England T Pat Harlow for a week now, revolving around Smith and/or Harrison. Patsies' coach Bill Parcells is known to be desperate for defensive linemen.
The Chron also reports that Vince Evans wants to return for another season at age 41.
Late this afternoon the Raiders announced the signing of Larry Kennan as their quarterbacks coach.
Kennan previously coached the Raider QB's from 1982-87 under Tom Flores. He spent last season with New Orleans as tight ends coach.
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
The federal judge hearing the NFLPA's suit over the salary cap has issued a preliminary injunction setting the 1996 salary cap at $40.75 million. U.S. District Court Judge David Doty had previously issued a temporary restraining order in favor of the NFLPA after the.NFL, thinking it could win, rejected a settlement offer from the Player's Association. The NFL has argued the cap should be $38,777,300.
The salary cap is set at 67% of anticipated revenues for a given year. At issue are last year's revenues from expansion teams Carolina and Jacksonville.
Doty agreed with the NFLPA's position that revenues from the expansion teams should be included in the percentage increase of revenues from 1994 to 1995, which is the benchmark for projecting revenues in 1996. The NFL had argued that the expansion revenues should be excluded from the percentage increase because they represented a "one time only" increase.
A final accounting is due at the end of March, when the amount could rise another $700,000 per team, based on revenues from licensing and other areas.
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
Various Raider fans report having heard that the team has re-signed FB Wes Bender. Bender was a late pre-season cut by the Raiders last year.
Bender is a favorite of many Raider fans. He's known as a tough blocker and a hard worker.
Los Angeles radio station XTRA reported yesterday that the Raiders have made QB Jeff Hostetler a 2-year, $4.4 million offer. According to the station, Hostetler's agent, Marvin Demoff, is holding out for $3 million a year.
Take this rumor with a grain of salt. XTRA carries the San Diego Chumpster games and isn't exactly neutral when it comes to the Raiders. It also wouldn't make a lot of sense for the Raiders to make Hoss an offer if, as has been widely reported, they are actively pursuing Jeff George to be their starting quarterback.
An even wilder rumor surfaced yesterday—that the Raiders are shopping All-Pro DT Chester McGlockton. Take this one with a pound of salt.
Most observers have assumed that newly signed DT Russell Maryland will replace Jerry Ball in the starting lineup. Ball has had weight problems for years and is not effective as an every-down player because of his chronic lack of stamina. Al Davis is known to have been displeased with Ball's conditioning last year.
Ball would be most effective if he were rotated in and out of the game as part of a three-way McGlockton-Maryland-Ball rotation. In view of that, and assuming there is some truth to the McGlockton rumor—a major "if"—it would only make sense if the Raiders were trying to trade for an offensive tackle and felt they needed to offer Chester to get a tackle they wanted.
This line of speculation centers on New England T Pat Harlow, but there's no way he's worth a Chester McGlockton. So any such trade would presumably include high draft choices from the Patriots in addition to Harlow.
More details on the Russell Maryland contract negotiations became public yesterday. It seems the Raiders made him a 24-hour, take-it-or-leave-it offer.
"Russell intended to take more visits but never ended up leaving," said agent Leigh Steinberg. "The Raiders sort of put it to us [Wednesday] afternoon that they wanted to know now."
"This is the new trend in free agency—there's so few quality defensive players, like a line or corner, that the teams go out with a clear target, bring the player in and don't ever want him to leave the office."
Maryland said that besides the money, the grass field at the House of Thrills was a major selling point. Asked about coach Mike White's defensive plan for the upcoming season, Maryland joked, "If I let you know that plan, then I'd have to shoot you."
Source: San Jose Mercury News
The Raiders released reserve CB Najee Mustafaa yesterday. Mustafaa played very poorly last season and was not expected to return.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Al Davis says renovation of the Coliseum is proceeding on schedule. He also said the Raiders will have their new summer training camp site selected by early March. Additionally, the field at the team's old practice facility next to the Oakland Airport is in excellent shape, and the team will probably erect a state-of-the-art training complex there.
So—it looks as though the team will complete the move to Oakland this season. Good news!
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Former Dallas DT Russell Maryland today signed a six-year, $19 million contract with the Raiders. It is the richest contract in Raiders history.
As with Larry Brown's contract, the Maryland deal includes a big signing bonus—$4.3 million—but is otherwise heavily backloaded. He will make $800,000 this season, $1.15 million in 1997, $2.95 million in 1998, $3.0 million in 1999, $3.5 million in 2000, and $3.3 million in 2001.
Like Dallas owner/GM Jerry Jones, Al Davis is clearly gambling that the NFL salary cap, which expires after the 1998 season, won't be renewed by the owners.
Maryland is undersized for a defensive tackle (6-1, 279) but very active and is primarily a run-stopper. Said his agent, Leigh Steinberg, "Russell's character is exemplary. He served as a major inspiration to other defensive players on the Cowboys, both in terms of work habits and winning attitude. What [the Raiders] don't want is to have their team fall apart in the second half of the season."
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, San Jose Mercury News
Free agent QB Jeff Hostetler will almost certainly not be back with the Raiders. Numerous media sources report he is most interested in Pittsburgh, or, if they re-sign Neil O'Donnell, Philadelphia. Hostetler, who will turn 35 in April and is coming off arthroscopic shoulder surgery last December, wants a frontloaded two-year deal at $3 million a year. He has been working out daily at his alma mater, West Virginia University.
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Hostetler will visit Philadelphia later this week or early next week.
The Raiders do have a right of first refusal on Hostetler, negotiated into his last contract. But it is highly unlikely they will exercise it because, as has been rumored for months, they are seriously pursuing QB Jeff George. The Daily News quotes unnamed league sources as saying the Raiders will try to structure an offer sheet to George which Atlanta cannot or will not match.
Atlanta retains a right of first refusal on George, 28, whom they have designated a transition player. George has reportedly told several people he would jump at the chance to be the Raiders' quarterback.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
NewSport television in New York, citing only an unidentified source, reported tonight that DT Russell Maryland has signed a contract with the Raiders.
A spokesman for the Raiders, however, said no news conference has been scheduled and that the report has no validity.
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
Details on the contract of Larry Brown became available late last night. He signed a five-year deal worth $12.5 million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus. He will receive $800,000 in 1996, $1.6 million in 1997, $1.8 million in 1998 and 1999, and $3 million in 2000.
Brown will become the number two cornerback alongside Terry McDaniel, with Albert Lewis moving to free safety. Brown will wear number 24 (Hall of Fame corner Willie Brown's old number).
Lewis has the size to play safety (6-2, 205), but he'll also be 36 in October.
Sources: Dallas Morning News, San Francisco Chronicle
According to the Chron, the Raiders and DT Russell Maryland are very close to finalizing a deal at $3 million a year, with Dallas having dropped out of the bidding. Other rumors, however, have Maryland going to Seattle to play for his old coach Dennis Erickson.
Still other rumors have the Raiders trying to make a trade with New England to get T Pat Harlow.
Sources: KNBR radio, Dallas Morning News, San Francisco Chronicle, Raiders Fans Mail List
It's official. The Raiders held a press conference this afternoon to announce the signing of former Dallas CB Larry Brown. No details were released, although Brown, wearing a Raiders cap and jacket, did say the contract is for more than one year.
It turns out Brown, who grew up in Los Angeles, is a lifelong Raiders fan. "The Raiders were the only team from Day One. When my agent told me that the Raiders wanted me, I didn't really didn't give other teams the opportunity. I even took less money," said Brown. "I didn't go for the money. I wanted to come to a quality program, and I think with the Raiders I found that."
Click here to go to the Articles section.
In other free agent news, the San Francisco Chronicle reported this morning that the Raiders are also talking with Dallas DT Russell Maryland. Maryland met last night with Mike White and the defensive coaches, and may meet with Al Davis today.
As expected, T Greg Skrepenak signed with Carolina yesterday, leaving the Raiders even thinner at the tackle position. Although no details were officially released, sources said Skrepenak received a four-year contract for $9 million, including a $2 million signing bonus.
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
Veteran reporter Ira Miller reports in this morning's San Francisco Chronicle that starting right tackle Greg Skrepenak is close to signing a long-term deal with Carolina. Skrepenak, an unrestricted free agent, was scheduled to meet with Panthers' team officials today. Charles Giacometti, his agent, indicated the two sides already were very close to an agreement.
"We'll be there, and if there's a meeting of the minds on Monday, we'll sign, and Greg will be a Panther," Giacometti said. "It certainly is a nice opportunity for him. Until he signs that paper, there's not a deal in my mind. But they're close, real close."
According to Miller, the Panthers would like to pair Skrepenak with left tackle Blake Brockermeyer, whom they selected last year with a first-round draft choice. Brockermeyer, a 305-pounder who will be 23 in April, played well as a season-long starter. Skrepenak, a 325-pounder, is still only 26 years old, so with his signing, the expansion Panthers could be set at tackle for the foreseeable future.
There was no word on the figures being discussed between Skrepenak and the Panthers. Last season, Skrepenak earned $550,000 from the Raiders on the last year of a four-year, $2.075 million contract.
With the possible loss of Skrepenak, the Raiders' problems at the offensive tackle positions suddenly loom even bigger than before. Last week the team re-designated LT Gerald Perry a transition player, obliging them to offer him a salary equal to the average of the top 10 NFL tackles or a 20% raise, whichever is greater. The Raiders complied with that obligation last Friday by tendering Perry an offer for one year at a whopping $2.52 million.
Perry, who will be 32 in November, is coming off two disappointing seasons in a row. According to his agent, Perry wants a long-term deal, so he is likely to turn down the Raiders offer. Even if he accepted it, the huge salary would make it more difficult for the Raiders to acquire other free agent help they need.
Neither the Raiders nor Harvey Williams commented yesterday on the terms of his new contract, but according to today's San Francisco Chronicle, a source familiar with the contract said the new deal was for $11 million over six years, including a $2.5 million signing bonus.
"Just look at it like this," Williams said, "I don't have to work another day in my life. I didn't want to pursue (free agency). It wasn't a big thing to me. I want to retire a Raider."
Meanwhile, the effort to fill the offensive coordinator position on the coaching staff hit a snag when Jon Gruden, the 32-year-old offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, was interviewed by the Raiders this week but turned the job down.
Further details became available today on the exact status of the various Raiders free agents.
The Raiders have seven unrestricted and unencumbered free agents: T Greg Skrepenak, FB Eric Ball, TE Andrew Glover, QB's Vince Evans and Jeff Graham, LB Aaron Wallace and S Dan Land.
QB Jeff Hostetler is a free agent, but the Raiders hold a right of first refusal, negotiated into his old contract. T Gerald Perry is a transition player (he was so designated in 1994), meaning the Raiders also have a right to match any offer to him. There would be no compensation if they lose either Hostetler or Perry.
Three other players are restricted free agents: WR Rocket Ismail, CB James Trapp and T Rich Stephens. The Raiders can match any offer to players in this group. If they choose not to, they would receive draft choice compensation for Ismail (first-round pick) or Trapp (third-round pick), but not for Stephens.
Finally, S Joe King does not appear on the official free agent list issued yesterday by the NFL, so presumably the Raiders did re-sign him as was reported last month.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
RB Harvey Williams, deciding not to try the free agent market, re-signed today with the Raiders. The team did not release any details as to the length or terms of his contract, but Williams' agent, Mike Merkow, told Los Angeles radio station XTRA that the deal will make Williams a "Raider for the remainder of his career."
Click here to read the details in the Recent Articles section.
Sources: Associated Press, San Francisco Examiner, ESPNet SportsZone
One thing that's not immediately clear is the status of FS Joe King. Reports in early January said he had re-signed with the Raiders, but today the Mercury Center is listing him as a free agent.
A federal judge in Minneapolis issued a temporary restraining order yesterday that set the NFL salary cap for 1996 at $40.8 million, about $2.1 million higher than the owners wanted.
U.S. District Judge David S. Doty sided with the NFL Players Association in setting the cap on the eve of the free agent signing period, which begins today. However, both sides may agree to delay free agent signings until the issue is resolved in a conference call with Doty on Feb. 22. A decision on the delay is expected this morning.
At issue are ticket, local television and radio revenues generated by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers, who joined the league last season. The owners say the cap should follow the recommendation of an independent auditor, who reviewed the expansion revenues to arrive at a figure of $38,777,300. The NFLPA believes the higher figure is a more accurate reflection of revenue projections for the upcoming season.
Source: USA Today
Confusion reigns over the status of defensive coordinator John Fox. Several Raider fans had previously seen an article in the Oakland Tribune reporting that Fox had been re-signed by the Raiders. In today's new SABER update, however, editor Manny B. claims that Fox was fired.
Personally I'm inclined to favor the latter account. Manny is located in Southern California and is thus better plugged in to hear team news. Furthermore, Al Davis made no secret of the fact that he was furious with the defense at season's end.
It looks as though the Raiders may move their offices to the Bay Area this offseason after all. Several papers have reported that the results of tests on soil samples for the proposed practice facility in Alameda have come back and show previous environmental concerns to be unfounded.
Also, Raider fan Rich Young reports that when he called the team offices in El Segundo today, the receptionist gave him an East Bay number to call from now on.
Indianapolis formally notified the NFL today that it has designated free agent QB Jim Harbaugh its franchise player.
Source: Associated Press, Feb. 13, 1996 (Nando Sports Server)
Today's Oakland Tribune reports that the Raiders have re-signed defensive coach John Fox. This is a major surprise.
ESPNet SportsZone reported late this afternoon that offensive coordinator Jim Fassel has just accepted the same position with the Arizona Cardinals.
Rumors have circulated for weeks that Fassel and defensive coordinator John Fox would not be rehired by the Raiders after last year's disappointing finish.
Fox's contract expired February 1. The Raiders have not issued any statement, and despite the rumors, no news service has yet reported his being officially notified that he will not be rehired.
There's a profile on The Gate this morning of new special teams coach Rusty Tillman. Click here to read it.
Chris Mortensen's weekly ESPNet column contains an intriguing comment about the Raider coaches. It's included here in its entirety, but remember, this is only speculation:
Joe Bugel is another Modell favorite. But Bugel recently signed a lucrative extension with the Raiders that gave him more authority than head coach Mike White with the guarantee that he'll move into the head coaching post if Al Davis fires White.
Indianapolis GM Jim Irsay said today that the team will designate free agent QB Jim Harbaugh its franchise player if he can't be re-signed by the Feb. 15 deadline.
There have been numerous rumors that Al Davis was eager to sign Harbaugh.
Click here to read the article.
Source: ESPNet SportsZone
The Argus (a sister publication of the Oakland Tribune) reported today that Rusty Tillman is the new Raiders special teams coach. Kevin Spencer, who has a year remaining on his contract, will be reassigned to "quality control."
Thanks to Raiders fan Eric Nilson for providing this news.
Today's Oakland Tribune reports that Raiders executive Bruce Allen is scheduled to meet today with the agent for QB Jeff Hostetler, but Allen said reports that the team is negotiating to re-sign the quarterback are premature. "There is nothing to report," said Allen from Hawaii, where he will watch the Pro Bowl this weekend.
Hostetler's agent, Marvin Demoff, also represents Tim Brown, Steve Wisniewski, and Terry McDaniel, all of whom are on the AFC's team for the Pro Bowl.
Allen did say he expects the Raiders to have news soon regarding the coaching staff.
According to the Tribune, current speculation is that defensive coordinator John Fox will leave to become the secondary coach at Tampa Bay, and that special teams coach Kevin Spencer will be reassigned within the organization.
Raider fan Mitch Stokes reports that The Sporting News has issued a correction to its earlier reports that DT Jerry Ball would become a free agent at season's end. Apparently Ball is signed through 1997.
FB Eric Ball is listed as a free agent on the NFL Players Association's list, but Jerry is not. The NFLPA list will be posted on this site over this weekend.
Former Raiders CB Mike Haynes was passed over today by the Board of Selectors for this year's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Only five inductees were chosen: coach Joe Gibbs, former players Dan Dierdorf, Charlie Joiner and Mel Renfro, and senior candidate Lou Creekmur. Haynes and Dwight Stephenson finished fifth and sixth among modern-era candidates and will automatically be included in next year's long list.
Click here to read the article on ESPNet SportsZone.
This year's inductees to the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be announced tomorrow. Among the finalists is CB Mike Haynes.
The results will be posted here as soon as they're announced.
Raider fan Bill McKinley reports a front page article in yesterday's Sonoma County Press Democrat relating that the Raiders are negotiating with Rohnert Park, California, to build a training facility there in time for their May mini-camps.
Jim Otto met with the Rohnert Park City Council on Tuesday and asked it to work with the team in making construction of a new training camp possible in time for mini-camps in May. Otto says that if the Raiders can reach agreement with the City and all goes according to plan, locker rooms and fields could be completed within three months.
"This is a lovely community and we really like it. It's a place where the Raiders could work to become World Champions," said Otto.
The Raiders yesterday issued a prepared statement through head coach Mike White confirming the signing of assistant head coach Joe Bugel to a new contract.
At the same time all indications are that the contract of defensive coordinator John Fox, which expires February 1, will not be renewed. Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Rusty Tillman interviewed with the Raiders yesterday in El Segundo for that position.
Click here to read the article on The Gate.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Raider QB Jeff Hostetler will participate with NBC announcers Gil Brandt and Randy Cross in a live chat-style play-by-play of next Sunday's Super Bowl XXX, to be carried on NBC's slick Super Bowl Web site (http://www.superbowl.com). NBC is calling the event a cybercast.
Click HERE to read the complete article on superbowl.com.
There's more on Joe Bugel's new contract in today's San Francisco Chronicle, so, short of an official announcement from the Raiders, it does seem to be a done deal.
Click HERE to read the article.
ESPNet's Chris Mortensen discusses the Joe Bugel situation in a column which appeared today. According to Mortensen, Bugel did initially call Miami head coach Jimmy Johnson about a coaching job, since his contract was expiring. He contacted Johnson again shortly afterward to inform him that he had successfully renegotiated his contract with Al Davis.
According to unnamed sources cited by Mortensen, Bugel received a $100,000 raise and will be paid a whopping $700,000. Bugel is also said to have been given more authority in personnel matters and a bigger role in the offensive playcalling.
The article also suggests that head coach Mike White insisted on a bigger role in the team's playcalling—at the expense of Bugel and offensive coordinator Jim Fassel—during the second half of the season—just when the team hit the skids.
An AP article on nando.net late yesterday speculated that offensive line coach Joe Bugel is a candidate for the offensive line coaching job with Miami. New coach Jimmy Johnson fired Monte Clark from that position yesterday.
Raider fan Michael J. Sando reports that the One on One Radio Sports Network says it has identified the Raiders whom G Kevin Gogan called "cancers" as DT Jerry Ball, T Gerald Perry, WR Rocket Ismail and RB Harvey Williams.
The network claims to have confirmed this information, but it has not appeared anywhere else on the Net.
Raider fan Keith Sarson reports reading that the Raiders have re-signed reserve OT Russell Freeman and reserve safety Joe King.
Former Raider cornerback Mike Haynes was among 15 finalists selected today for induction this year into the Football Hall of Fame. Haynes played for New England from 1976-82 and starred in the Raider secondary from 1983-89.
The finalists were determined by a vote of the hall's 36-member board of selectors. The board will meet on January 27 in Phoenix to elect the class of 1996.
Tackle Dan Dierdorf and center Dwight Stevenson were automatic finalists this year since they finished in the top six in last year's election. There were also four ex-Steelers among the 15 selected.
Click here to read the article on Nando.net.
Source: Associated Press (Nando Sports Server)
It's only a rumor, but it's an intriguing one: A report in The Palm Beach [Florida] Post said managing general partner Al Davis made Jimmy Johnson an offer to replace Mike White as Raiders coach. Johnson also would have been named general manager, the source told the Post. The Raiders have never had an independent general manager.
But Johnson wanted control and Davis remains heavily involved in personnel matters for the Raiders.
Oakland executive assistant Al LoCasale said he didn't know of an offer to Johnson.
"That's news to me," LoCasale said. "We have a coach."
Source: Associated Press (Nando Sports Server)
Coach Mike White, who turned 60 today, told reporters in a conference call late this afternoon that the Raiders have re-signed DE Pat Swilling to a one-year contract.
White also offered the rather surprising opinion that he doesn't expect any changes in the coaching staff.
Source: Associated Press
Today's San Francisco Chronicle quotes Kendall James, the agent for starting left tackle Gerald Perry, as saying that his client actually fractured his left forearm twice this past season—once on September 3, as announced, then again in practice during the team's bye week in late October.
At the time the Raiders said only that Perry's rehabilitation was proceeding more slowly than originally anticipated. James claims that the Raiders put Perry back on the practice field long before he had been cleared to play. The Raiders deny any knowledge of a second fracture.
Perry becomes a free agent next month and is designated one of the two Raider transition players, guaranteeing him a salary equal to the average of the top 10 NFL players at his position. Perry's 1995 salary was $1,000,000. (Adding in the signing bonus, he cost $1,166,667 against the salary cap.) He missed nearly the entire season with the forearm injury after a less-than-impressive preseason.
Click here to read the entire article.
T Robert Jenkins had arthroscopic surgery last week to repair cartilage damage in his right knee. Jenkins is not eligible for free agency, as the Chronicle had previously reported; his contract runs through the 1997 season.
Re-signed yesterday by the Raiders: CB Bruce Pickens and WR's Sean Foster and Phillip Bobo. Pickens, the No. 3 overall choice (by Atlanta) in the 1991 draft, was a reserve DB and played in the dime defense and on special teams. Foster spent the season on the practice squad, and Bobo was released during training camp.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
The OFMA, the municipal agency handling PSL sales for the Raiders, has struck again! Click here to read about the latest foul-up.
Raider fan Jerry Cardoza reports hearing on ESPN yesterday that CB Albert Lewis is threatening to retire unless the team gets rid of the players with "no heart," and also that a shakeup of defensive coaches is in the works.
These reports have not appeared on the Web's ESPNet SportsZone.
Managing general partner Al Davis is less than pleased with the conditioning of Chester McGlockton and Jerry Ball this past season. In The Argus (a sister publication of the Oakland Tribune), columnist Monte Poole reports that Davis had this to say about his two starting defensive tackles: "We've got one guy who can't stay on the field for the whole game and another one who I can't find when he's out there."
Thanks to Eric Nilson for providing this news.
Also, Raider fan Troy Dawson reports hearing on ESPN that Davis is furious at defensive coordinator John Fox for not preparing the team better during the second half of the season, and especially for the final game with Denver.
