Oakland Raiders - The Vertical Game

News Archive
Apr. 1 - June 28, 1998

Sunday, June 28, 1998

Reserve C Curtis Whitley was suspended by the NFL Friday for a minimum of one year after failing a substance abuse test. No further details were disclosed.

Senior assistant Bruce Allen said the action was "not unexpected." Whitley had been appealing a positive test result.

Whitley caused a minor flap last year with comments that he'd been a "wild child" in the past and had used cocaine extensively.

There had been a fair amount of off-season speculation that following the departure of RG Lester Holmes, the Raiders might try moving Barret Robbins to guard and starting Whitley at center. That's no longer an option now, obviously.

Robbins will undoubtedly remain at center, and the right guard job would seem to be up for grabs between newly acquired veteran Derrick Graham and second-year player Scott Whittaker.

Tuesday, June 23, 1998

The Raiders signed another placekicker, free agent veteran Greg Davis, who had been given a tryout some time back along with several other candidates.

Davis, 32, was signed by San Diego last year as an early season replacement when All World K John Carney went down with a leg injury. Davis went on to have quite a good season. He singlehandedly beat the Raiders in one game with six field goals. Carney's so reliable, however, that now that he's healthy again, the Chumpsters felt they could afford to release Davis.

Davis, Cole Ford, and last year's collegiate kicking leader, Phil Dawson, are now all on the roster. At least one paper has speculated that the Raiders will take only two of the three to training camp next month, meaning one could be a goner before July 23rd.

George Karras, a Raider fixture since 1987, retired last week following a 37-year career as a scout, administrator and coach at both the college and pro levels.

His official title with the Silver and Black was Pro Football Scouting Director, but in fact Karras, 64, performed considerably more duties than that in the eccentric Raiders organization. He was known to call other teams' general managers at times on behalf of the Raiders to sound them out about the availability of players, and it was Karras who approached some of the younger Raiders at the end of last season about their willingness to play in the World League (NFL Europe) this past spring.

CB Larry Brown was signed by Minnesota, where he'll apparently compete with two other nobodies for a starting job.

Rookie T Mo Collins will chat live on Raiders.com today at 4:00 p.m. Pacific.

Finally, an interesting article appeared in ESPNet SportsZone's Raiders section last week (see June 18), reprinted from the San Francisco Examiner. It features an interview with Carleton Oats in which the former defensive tackle comments at length on what he sees as a greatly improved attitude on the part of this year's team. My apologies to the reader who sent along the URL; I've lost your name. :-(

Sunday, June 14, 1998

Yesterday the Raiders announced the signing of free agent G Derrick Graham, 6-4 and 315 pounds.

Graham, from Appalachian State, spent 1990-94 with Kansas City, 1995 with Carolina, and the past two seasons with Seattle. He was injured a substantial part of the past three seasons.

Wednesday, June 10, 1998

Miami signed MLB Robert Jones today, one of the two best known linebackers released by their teams following June 1st. Jones played on three Dallas Super Bowl teams before signing with St. Louis.

That leaves chronic bad boy Bryan Cox as the remaining high-profile free agent linebacker available. Although the Raiders could certainly use help at that position, yesterday's Contra Costa Times reported that the Raiders say they have no interest in Cox.

"If we were interested, we would have contacted him by now," Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said Saturday.

Rookie Mo Collins has been playing left tackle with the starting offensive unit as Pat Harlow makes a very slow recovery from off-season back surgery. Several papers have speculated that Collins could be the starter when the season begins.

That can be interpreted in several ways. Either the Raiders regard Collins as a future star, or they have little confidence that second-year players Adam Treu or Tim Kohn are capable of handling it. One Raider who probably won't even be considered for a starting role is veteran Rick Cunningham. Cunningham's value lies in his versatility—he can play any line position except center. Nevertheless, when he replaced Harlow in several games last year he was eaten alive on passing plays.

Collins does have the advantage of having played in a pro-style offense at Florida. He's said to be an accomplished pass protector who will need to improve his run blocking. And in college he played primarily at right tackle.

Second-year player Scott Whittaker, an undrafted free agent signed last year, has become the leading candidate to take over the right guard spot vacated by the departed Lester Holmes. "He's a mauler," said coach Jon Gruden.

On defense, with the loss of rookie Leon Bender, Grady Jackson now looks to be the third tackle, rotating with Darrell Russell and Russell Maryland. James Trapp has been demoted and will probably be used as a reserve at both corner and safety.

Finally, coach Jon Gruden has been sufficiently impressed with last year's No. 3 quarterback, Donald Hollas, that Hollas may move up to No. 2 behind starter Jeff George. It looks less and less likely that the Raiders will try to re-sign last year's backup, David Klingler.

Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, Sacramento Bee, Contra Costa Times

Sunday, June 7, 1998

Pat Swilling talked to reporters after Friday's practice, and what he was willing to say on the record gives us fans an unusual glimpse into the mindset of last year's 4-12 Raiders squad. Players will occasionally discuss the subject of the team's "attitude" with the press, but virtually always anonymously. Swilling, however, wasn't pulling any punches.

Swilling was asked about the difference between last year's team and this year's.

"Night and day," replied Swilling. "Coach Gruden is picking the players he wants to go to war with." In a barb obviously aimed at the departed Chester McGlockton, Swilling added, "We aren't going to have players who are above the coach."

"I always knew I'd come back to football. I just didn't think it would be here because of the atmosphere when I left," continued Swilling. "If there hadn't been a coaching change, I wouldn't have considered it, but after the change, I got to talking to Bruce Allen and he said they wanted me back. I've always had a good relationship with Bruce and Al Davis. My problem was strictly with the coaches."

Swilling's problem, in particular, had to do with last year's defensive line coach, Bill Urbanik, who was doing a second stint with the Raiders. Urbanik had previously coached the DL in Los Angeles when Howie Long and Greg Townsend were the ends.

Swilling said Mike Waufle, the new DL coach, listens to different ideas about pass rushing techniques. Urbanik, according to Swilling, didn't. "My inability to communicate with the coach did have a lot to do with (leaving)," Swilling said.

Swilling said he also sees a major attitude adjustment by the players this year.

"There's no more (having to deal with) some of those guys who think they're above the coach or guys who think they can do it their way," Swilling said. "No one's bitching. No one's upset. No one's crying. It's a great work ethic (around here). That's what you need to win."

"This team's becoming a team for a change," Swilling said. "You always hear guys around here talking about trying to build a team. This is the first time I really think it's happening. (They're) finally getting rid of a lot of the old coaches, a lot of the old players, the whole nine yards. (Gruden's) kind of cleaned up the whole thing. That's what you have to do."

Swilling saved his most enthusiastic praise for new coach Jon Gruden, while at the same time suggesting that former coach Joe Bugel was afraid to challenge Al Davis. Bugel's approach, said Swilling, didn't encourage teamwork and wasn't respected by the players.

Speaking of Gruden, Swilling said, "You can hear it in his voice out there. He's trying to get rid of that thing about Al's boys and all that where everyone thinks they're being protected. You can just feel it. I don't think Joe wanted to deal with that. I don't think (Gruden) is scared to deal with that. He's young, he's a great coach, he's been around, he can get a job. He'll be fine. That's the difference. He's not on his way out of town."

Sources: Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Examiner

Assistant coach Willie Brown and DT Darrell Russell, who knew Leon Bender well, represented the Raiders at Bender's wake on Friday.

Excused from Friday's practice were QB Jeff George, who was awaiting a flight into the Bay Area; rookies FB Jon Ritchie and TE Jeremy Brigham, who aren't allowed to practice until their classes graduate next week; and T Darryl Ashmore, who was gettting married.

T Pat Harlow's recovery from back surgery continues to go slowly, and he's present but not practicing.

Friday, June 5, 1998

The inevitable came to pass yesterday when the Raiders cut five-time Pro Bowl CB Terry McDaniel. The team had been seeking a trade for months, but T-Mac's hefty salary translated into few takers.

Once one of the NFL's top coverage cornerbacks, McDaniel's legs seemed to start going on him in 1995, the year of the Raiders' return to Oakland. He slipped often, even on dry surfaces—usually an indication of a loss of reflexes. Then last year the quality of his play dropped sharply.

CB Albert Lewis was excused to attend the funeral of a nephew who drowned in Louisiana.

Thursday, June 4, 1998

There weren't any new articles about the Raiders on the Web today, and there isn't much news.

The team did announce the starting time for the Tampa Bay exhibition game, until now a TBA for August 24. They'll play at 6:00 p.m.

And top draft pick Charles Woodson will appear on Raiders.com for a live chat on Tuesday, June 9, at 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 3, 1998

It wasn't reported until today, but yesterday the Raiders quietly waived CB Larry Brown, finally bringing to a close one of the most bizarre chapters in NFL history since the players won the right to unrestricted free agency.

Brown, the Super Bowl XXX MVP, was signed to a huge contract by the Raiders before the 1996 season. He played so badly that by the middle of the 1997 season he had worked his way down to third string. He was also suspended for four games last season by then-coach Joe Bugel because of his lackadaisical attitude toward practice. Despite all that, the salary cap implications of Brown's fat contract made it difficult for the Raiders to release him.

Brown's cap figure this year was $2.5 million, $1.8 million of which was base salary. Waiving him after June 1 allows the Raiders to defer $1.4 million worth of cap baggage until next year.

There may yet be more defensive backs released in the coming days. The Raiders find themselves with a glut at cornerback. Eric Allen and rookie Charles Woodson appear to be the likely starters. This observer wouldn't count out Albert Lewis, who beat out Brown last year for the job. There are also Perry Carter and youngster Calvin Branch to consider.

The odd man out looks to be Terry McDaniel, the one-time perennial Pro Bowler whose legs appeared to fail him regularly last year. His $1.95 million cap figure makes him too expensive to keep as a nickel back. There's also speculation that the Raiders could release James Trapp after last year's less-than-successful experiment at converting him to strong safety.

Tuesday, June 2, 1998

Evening update: The Raiders have signed free agent RB Randy Jordan, who played with Jacksonville the past three seasons.

Jordan, 5-10 and 215, was originally signed as an undrafted rookie by the Raiders in 1993 and was on the roster that year. He was released in the final 1994 preseason cut, then signed with the Jaguars the following year.

As expected, Chicago released temperamental LB Bryan Cox today. There's been considerable speculation among Raider fans, and by some sportswriters, that the Raiders might be interested in trying to sign him. Denver's also reported to be interested.

Another middle linebacker who was released today by St. Louis, Robert Jones, has also been mentioned in the press.

At present MLB Greg Biekert essentially has no competition for the starting job.

It may take a few days before many signings occur, though. The NFLPA has yet to ratify the collective bargaining extension from 2000 to 2003, which makes it more difficult to finalize long-term contracts running beyond the year 2000.

Monday, June 1, 1998

The Leon Bender tragedy continues to dominate media coverage of the Raiders.

Bender's $1.15 signing bonus had already been paid to his family. For salary cap purposes that payout will be prorated over the 5 years of the contract Bender signed just a few weeks ago. The NFL established the policy after several Chargers were killed in a plane crash two years ago.

The Raiders' final minicamp begins Friday and will run through Sunday. Sandwiched around either side of that, and beginning today, is a passing camp of undetermined length.

Sunday, May 31, 1998

An autopsy of Leon Bender proved inconclusive as to the cause of death. The family released a statement saying that the death was not the result of foul play and was not drug- or alcohol-related. Further analysis will be conducted at the Georgia state crime lab and will take two to three months.

Senior assistant Bruce Allen said today, "We've had a tragic loss and it's tragic the more we've had time to think about it. We've lost a person who was a good father, a good son, a good husband and a friend to many people. He was going to be a great citizen for the city of Oakland, a good teammate and a good player."

"He was devastated like anyone is," Allen said. "He had such high hopes for him as a young man. There's no death that is good and there's no death that is timely. He just wanted to make sure everyone stuck together and tried to help his family as much as possible."

The Associated Press quoted Bender's mother as saying he had suffered from epilepsy.

Note to readers: News updates on this site were suspended between April 22 and May 31 because of pressing personal problems.

Wednesday, April 22, 1998

The NFL announced the full schedule of team minicamps. For the Raiders, it's as follows:

Sunday, April 19, 1998

Oakland pulled a nice one on the Whiners yesterday. It seems that San Francisco, desperate for offensive linemen to start rebuilding its aging line, dearly coveted tackle Damon "Mo" Collins. The Raiders snatched him first when they traded up to get Tampa Bay's No. 23 pick in the first round.

Today the Raiders first picked at No. 17 in the fourth round (109 overall) after a trade with Washington. Originally they would have had No. 21, obtained from Detroit for Rob Fredrickson. They swapped that pick with Washington's No. 17 and also gave the Redskins their No. 2 pick in the 7th round.

With that No. 17 in the fourth, they took G Gennaro DiNapoli of Virginia Tech.

In the fifth round, Oakland used its No. 4 (127th overall) to take TE Jeremy Brigham of Washington.

The Raiders then acquired a second fifth-round pick in a trade with Green Bay, giving up their No. 3 pick in the sixth round for the Pack's No. 29 in the fifth (152nd overall). They used the selection to take OLB Travian Smith of Oklahoma.

Finally, in the seventh round, the Raiders used compensatory picks to select two defensive linemen, tackle Vince Amey of Arizona State (No. 41, 230 overall) and end David Sanders of Arkansas (No. 46, 235 overall).

Saturday, April 18, 1998

Oakland's final pick of the day, No. 2 in the third round, was FB Jon Ritchie of Stanford.

With the first pick in the second round the Raiders took DT Leon Bender of Washington State.

The draft's first big shocker was—not surprisingly—provided by the Raiders about 12:40 p.m. Pacific, when they traded two of their three second-round picks to acquire Tampa Bay's first-round pick at No. 23. With the selection they took Florida tackle Mo Collins.

The Raiders will now have one pick in the second round—the No. 1 (31st overall) awarded to them by the NFL as compensation for the loss of Chester McGlockton. They gave the Bucs their No. 4 and 28 selections in the round.

Today's first round of the NFL draft has provided no shockers—at least yet. Neither Jacksonville nor New England, each of whom had two first-round picks, traded up. Miami did trade down with Green Bay, giving up its No. 19 pick for Green's Bay's No. 29 and the Packers' second-round pick.

Randy Moss, the gifted but potentially troubled wide receiver about whom much had been written, was taken by Minnesota at No. 21.

CB Tebucky Jones of Syracuse, in whom some had speculated the Raiders were interested, went to New England at No. 22, and UCLA's Shaun Williams, the top safety, went at No. 24 to the Giants.

Friday, April 17, 1998

The Raiders announced yesterday afternoon that would not match Kansas City's offer sheet to DT Chester McGlockton.

"We are going to decline to match the offer sheet that was executed by the KC Chiefs. We're going to take the draft picks and move forward," said coach Jon Gruden.

Thursday, April 16, 1998

In brief, Chester McGlockton has until 9:00 p.m. (Pacific) tonight to entertain offers from other teams, with the Raiders being allowed to match any offer he gets within 24 hours. The chances that they would are probably nil.

If a deal's struck and the Raiders don't match, they would receive a compensatory first-round pick from the NFL (No. 31) and the second-round pick of McGlockton's new team. Should an offer be made between tonight's deadline and July 15, the Raiders would get that team's first- and third-round picks in 1999.

If McGlockton doesn't find a new team by July 15, his only option would be to accept the Raiders' one-year tender, under which he would be paid the average salary of the league's top five defensive tackles. That's now said to be $4.07 million rather than the $6 million figure that was being referenced as recently as last week.

Why this sudden change? An adjustment in the rules regarding franchise players, included in the newly signed collective bargaining agreement extension, took effect Monday. It required the Raiders to guarantee McGlockton's 1998 salary no later than April 14 in order to retain their right to the prior level of compensation—two first-round picks—if he were signed by another team. The Raiders did tender a one-year offer but declined to guarantee it, essentially leaving McGlockton free to leave if he can strike a deal with another team.

"We do have an interest in Chester McGlockton," said Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson. "You're talking about a four-time Pro Bowl player you might be able to get for a second-round draft pick. But I'm not going to get into the details of financial considerations."

And while the compensation will be less under the new rules, the Raiders will be free of a colossal headache and a locker room cancer. The dilemma over McGlockton's salary, and its implications for the cap, have essentially paralyzed the team this off-season in its efforts to pursue free agents.

CB Eric Allen did an about-face yesterday and said not only that he'll play for the Raiders this year, but that he plans to start at right cornerback.

It turns out that Allen has been in the Bay Area for the last two weeks, finding a home for his family in San Ramon.

Allen originally had a $2.75 million salary cap figure this season and $2.5 million next season. According to the Oakland Tribune, he received a contract extension of unspecified length or terms from the Raiders that helped reduce Oakland's cap figure. It was also announced he'll wear No. 21, Cliff Branch's old number.

The Trib also reports that senior assistant Bruce Allen hinted at more moves to come in the coming days. Both Terry McDaniel and Larry Brown have hefty cap figures. If the Raiders stay put at No. 4 in the draft and select Charles Woodson, they could actually end up with a surplus of cornerbacks.

Wednesday, April 15, 1998

Raiders Executive Assistant Al LoCasale known to fans as "Little Al" will appear in a live chat session on Raiders.com Thursday (April 16th) at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

The Raiders could be interested in former Giant QB Dave Brown as a potential No. 2 behind Jeff George. Check out http://www.bergen.com/sports/rowe12199804125.htm, from the Bergen (NJ) Record.

Sunday, April 12, 1998

The same two stories continue to dominate such Raiders news as has appeared on the Net during the past few days the upcoming draft, and what to do about Chester McGlockton.

Let's take the draft first. Most writers now speculate that the Raiders are looking to trade down from their No. 4 pick, which would mean they're willing to pass on a shot at either CB Charles Woodson or DE Andre Wadsworth, each of whom is projected as an instant starter for whatever team signs him.

Both Jacksonville and New England are known to want to trade up, and each has two first-round picks they can offer. Speculation also abounds that Chicago (currently No. 5), St. Louis (No. 6) and Carolina (No. 14) want to trade up.

Ex-Raider Vann McElroy, the agent for RB Curtis Enis, has said too that the Raiders are looking to trade down. McElroy also offered his opinion that drafting Charles Woodson would be a mistake for the Raiders.

"From what I understand, he was very arrogant and cocky, the worst interview of all. I've heard that from three general managers," said McElroy. He added he thinks Woodson could drop down as far as eighth.

Added McElroy, "I envision (the Raiders) making a trade. (Woodson) has too much baggage. The Raiders have a team full of great athletes, but the attitude is pathetic. There's no doubt (Woodson is) a great athlete. But that organization needs draft picks that solidify the team, not create more problems."

The Raiders have interviewed both Woodson and Wadsworth, and coach Jon Gruden didn't say anything at the recent owners meeting in Orlando to indicate that the Raiders have major questions about Woodson's character.

"We're impressed with him in meeting him," Gruden said in Orlando. "He's obviously a brilliant talent on the field. How the draft unfolds, we'll see. But he's a guy we're obviously interested in."

Gruden also had praise for Marshall WR Randy Moss—a player about whom there are major character questions.

Moss, at 6-3 ½ and 210 pounds, runs a 4.35 40, but he's also had a history of criminal charges in the past (battery, possession of marijuana). Nevertheless, Gruden said, "I like him. I like those big guys that can score points."

Raiders scout Jon Kingdon, who's been with the organization for 20 years, said, "We'll do all the background checks and feel confident in knowing what we need to know about (Moss)."

Kingdon added, "I think we've always tried to be true to the philosophy of taking the best player there, particularly for the first three or four rounds. Take the best players available, and then toward the end of the draft (fill) more needs."

Speaking of the Raiders' general plan going into the draft, Gruden didn't exactly reveal any trade secrets. "We'd like to get another defensive lineman, obviously," Gruden said. "A defensive back. We're always looking for offensive linemen, more weapons."

So—in a nutshell, anything could happen between now and next Saturday morning. Remember, though, that as a practical matter the Raiders have to try to find at least two, and maybe even three defensive starters in this year's draft. DE Anthony Smith is gone and James Trapp is very unlikely to start at strong safety again after last year's experiment. Not to mention the cornerback quandary.

Some writers have mentioned Syracuse CB Tebucky Jones as someone the Raiders might fancy. This observer thinks UCLA safety Shaun Williams would be an excellent choice. Williams has good size and speed—6-1, 211—and can play free safety, strong safety, or cornerback. Pro Football Weekly likens him to Kenny Easley and Eric Turner.

Monday's the Day of Decision for the Raiders vis a vis McGlockton. Although they may hope to package him in some sort of draft day deal, their crunch with regard to the salary offer they must tender in order to keep his contract rights comes tomorrow.

There's nothing new to report by way of news on this story. There is one opinion piece by Monte Poole which appeared in today's Oakland Tribune, arguing that the Raiders have no choice but to trade McGlockton for whatever they can get in return, because the team can't afford to re-tool with Chester on the roster.

The Raiders brought in WR Sean Dawkins for a workout yesterday. Dawkins, a Cal alumnus and most recently with the Colts, is looking for a contract in the area of a million dollars, so don't look for the Raiders to sign him quite yet.

Reminiscent of ex-Raider Mervyn Fernandez at 6-4 and 215, Dawkins could potentially be a valuable third receiver, presenting an excellent target downfield.

As is usual in these situations, it was the agent, Angelo Wright, who did most of the talking to reporters.

"I think Jon Gruden really likes him," said Wright. "For a lot of reasons, it could be a good situation for both sides."

Wright said at least five other teams are interested in his client but that Oakland is one of the three teams he is most likely to sign with.

Thursday, April 9, 1998

Afternoon update: Reader Eric Richard sent me the URL for a fascinating Boston Globe article which I've linked in the Articles section.

If you've followed draft news lately, you'll know that the Patriots have almost more draft choices than they know what to do with. They acquired them first because of the defection of coach Bill Parcells to the Jets, and then the subsequent luring away by Parcells of RB Curtis Martin. In fact, New England has such an embarrassment of riches six picks in the first three rounds that there's a genuine question whether they'd have the money to sign them all.

Well, it seems that the Patsies more specifically, VP of Player Personnel Bobby Grier became taken with Charles Woodson during a workout he held two weeks ago in Michigan, and are now trying to talk trade with the teams holding the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 picks. That includes the Raiders, of course.

According to the Globe, Woodson's stock may be falling slightly. (That's their opinion. It makes little sense to this observer because by all accounts his workout was indeed very impressive.) The paper speculates that "it appears Arizona or Oakland would consider trading down."

Both New England and Jacksonville have been mentioned as wanting to trade up. Each has two first-round choices it could package, Nos. 18 and 22 for the Pats and Nos. 9 and 25 for the Jags. And both teams are described as fancying not only Woodson, but also RB Curtis Enis.

Enis's agent, former Raider Vann McElroy, said yesterday he's heard that both the Patriots and Jaguars are trying to move up to No. 4 to take his client. "There's no question in my mind that the Patriots and Jaguars are trying not only to get No. 5 but are now trying to move up further than that," said McElroy.

Hey, maybe the Raiders can find a way to unload Chester McGlockton after all . . . :-)

Ex-Raider great Marcus Allen had kind words for the Raiders today in announcing his retirement after 16 years in the NFL.

"This may seem odd today, but I'd like to thank the Raiders for a wonderful and unique experience . . . playing with such great players," said Allen. "I remember when I was a rookie and Greg Pruitt took me under his wing and told me how to become a great pro."

You can see what was probably Allen's most famous play ever—his amazing reverse-field touchdown run in Super Bowl XVIII against Washington. Be patient; it's a good-sized *.avi clip (1.2 Mb). Click here.

Several readers wrote yesterday to take exception to the comments quoted in this section that the Raiders have a major salary cap problem.

Consider this. First, let's assume that the report that the Raiders are presently $1.5 million under the cap is correct. They must have $2 million free to spend in order to participate in the draft nine days from now. (That's their share of the rookie pool.) So that requires freeing up another half-million dollars.

Then there's DT Chester McGlockton. Assume also that the Raiders drop the exclusive rights tag on him, making the minimum salary they must offer him about $2.88 million. Since the potential salaries of players who are free agents aren't figured in cap calculations, that's almost $3 million more they must come up with.

Now recall also that DE Anthony Smith, the team's leading pass rusher last year, is a free agent too, and is looking for a long term deal. Either the Raiders find yet more money for Smith, or they start the season without a good pass rushing end on the roster (Darrell Russell is expected to be switched from end to tackle this year). Lance Johnstone's not the answer, and Aundray Bruce, if he were re-signed, rushes the passer adequately but isn't strong playing the run. The same is true of Aaron Wallace.

This analysis doesn't even take into account the problem at left tackle, where Pat Harlow is a major liability, both because of his chronic back problems and his slow feet.

To this observer, no matter how you look at it, this team is in serious trouble in terms of finding the dollars to improve itself this year. The chickens have come home to roost from the Raiders' free agent follies of the last two years (Larry Brown, Russell Maryland, Desmond Howard).

Wednesday, April 8, 1998

Mid-day update: There's a good analysis of the Raiders' Chester McGlockton dilemma in today's Contra Costa Times.

If the Raiders don't drop the exclusive right designation on McGlockton before April 13th, his salary would shoot up to $6.11 million. According to the Times, that means the Raiders would have to free up nearly $2 million more under the cap by Monday. The paper estimates they're approximately $1.5 million under the cap at present.

The article quotes an anonymous AFC West general manager as saying, "April 13th, the Raiders are in big trouble. And everybody knows it. Nobody's going to touch (McGlockton) until they see what the Raiders do."

McGlockton's former agent, James Williams, said, "They thought they'd get value for him. Now they're stuck with him at more than $6 million. They thought for sure they could trade him to Washington at any time. That's no longer the case. Washington was the deal to do (last year), but it didn't get done. They had it on the table but they missed their opportunity."

Senior assistant Bruce Allen, of course, insists there's no reason to panic.

"We have had constant dialogue with (McGlockton's) representatives," said Allen. "Nothing is imminent. All options available to us are still open and being explored."

ESPNet SportsZone published a report last night that Arizona is shopping its No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft. The Raiders, of course, have the following pick.

According to the report, which originated in The Arizona Republic, both St. Louis and Chicago would like to trade up, but aren't willing to give up what Arizona is asking.

Monday, April 6, 1998

Afternoon update: Chronicle sportswriter Ron Kroichick says in the latest Sporting News team report that the Raiders are finding no takers for DT Chester McGlockton.

If true, this is bad news. The team can ill afford to pay his salary in return for the kind of half-hearted effort he puts out. Look for the Raiders to drop the exclusive rights tag soon. That would at least reduce the salary figure from something in the neighborhood of $6 million to about $2.83 million. It would also allow McGlockton's agent to begin negotiating with other teams.

There's an interesting article this morning by Sporting News writer Dan Pompei on player agents. He describes the reputation of the Poston brothers as being very difficult to deal with.

Charles Woodson has hired them to represent him. If, as expected, the Raiders pick Woodson with the No. 4 pick, Bruce Allen will earn his salary.

There's another tidbit of note in Sports Illustrated writer Peter King's latest column. King writes that new Dallas coach Chan Gailey is one of the two lowest paid coaches in the league—the other being Jon Gruden.

But Gailey got a contract clause that Gruden almost certainly didn't—"anti-meddling" insurance, as King calls it. Gailey's contract specifies he will make every offensive play call.

Friday, April 3, 1998

The Raiders have invited four placekickers in for tryouts today in Alameda: Chris Jacke, formerly of Green Bay and Washington; Greg Davis, from Minnesota and San Diego; Steve McLaughlin, from Baltimore and St. Louis; and Scott Bentley, from Denver.

The "names" among them are Jacke and Davis. Jacke made headlines last season when he and Desmond Howard weren't invited by the Packers to visit the White House with the rest of the team. Davis stepped in to replace the injured John Carney for San Diego and proved very reliable.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Cole Ford is on the roster. He was a restricted free agent, so he has apparently been signed for this season.

Thursday, April 2, 1998