The Official Oakland Raiders 2012 Offseason Thread
- Thread starter MaC A$$ ViC
- Start date
NFL `guarantees’ are occasionally pipe dreams
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at 8:56 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Once upon a time the Raiders traded for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who received a seven-year, $70 million contract with $24.5 million in guaranteed money.
The Raiders later cut Hall eight games into the season and paid him $8 million for his troubles.
Which brings us to Kamerion Wimbley, Stanford Routt, and the erratic way information regarding contracts is relayed in the NFL.
Wimbley was given an exclusive franchise tag about a year ago which guaranteed him approximately $11.3 million following a nine-sack season. The Raiders then renegotiated his deal to drop his salary cap number to $1.6 million. It was reported as a $48 million dollar deal with a whopping $29 million in guaranteed money.
Except Wimbley’s deal apparently wasn’t anything approaching $29 million in guaranteed money. The Raiders can get out of it by cutting him and paying him $6.5 million.
According to Adam Caplan, who has much of this contract stuff wired and was the first to report Wimbley’s situation last year, Wimbley earned $5 million last season ($4.25 million signing bonus, $750,000 salary).
This season, Wimbley’s base salary is $11 million and $6.5 million is guaranteed. Wimbley makes that amount even if he is cut. The rest of his contract ($4.5 million) is guaranteed as of March 17.
Add it up, and he earned almost $200,000 above and beyond his $11.3 million salary cap figure by agreeing to the restructure.
But as far as the Raiders owing him $29 million guaranteed, well, . . . the Raiders are off the hook for much of that figure if Wimbley is cut before March 17.
That’s a long way of saying take any “guaranteed” money with a grain of salt.
Routt’s three-year $31.5 million extension was reported as guaranteed to the tune of $20 million. Now there are reports that it was actually $15 million, with the Raiders having escaped a $5 million guarantee by cutting him what they did. A great deal for Routt, either way, he’ll get to sign another contract.
Still, contract reporting is one of the most imprecise parts of the business. That’s why you’ll see the word “reported” preceding most, if not all, contract issues that are dealt with here.
Agents are OK with overblown reports of guarantees because prospective clients will see it and figure they can get the same. Teams aren’t concerned with it because if they’re viewed as a team that pays that kind of money, what the heck? And it’s not as if players are going to step forward immediately after signing a contract and say, “You know, this isn’t nearly as big of a contract as it looks.”
So don’t reach too much into “guaranteed money” if the Raiders opt to part with Wimbley, frees safety Michael Huff ($4 million in salary, $4 million in bonus) or defensive tackle Tommy Kelly ($6 million in salary).
McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen could attempt to sign them for less or simply move on.
It’s hard to know what they’ve got planned for strong safety Tyvon Branch, a prospective free agent. San Diego safety Eric Weddle signed a contract last year with guaranteed money reported as high as $19 million, although it’s hard to know if it really approached that figure.
There’s a chance McKenzie, Allen and Co. may look at the defensive performance in 2011 and conclude that anyone coming in at a high price isn’t worth keeping and that those with reasonable salaries can be fitted in with low-level or street free agents and the end result couldn’t possibly be worse.
The other prominent free agent is running back Michael Bush, who if franchised would get more than $7 million.
It’s what makes this offseason the most interesting since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at 8:56 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Once upon a time the Raiders traded for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who received a seven-year, $70 million contract with $24.5 million in guaranteed money.
The Raiders later cut Hall eight games into the season and paid him $8 million for his troubles.
Which brings us to Kamerion Wimbley, Stanford Routt, and the erratic way information regarding contracts is relayed in the NFL.
Wimbley was given an exclusive franchise tag about a year ago which guaranteed him approximately $11.3 million following a nine-sack season. The Raiders then renegotiated his deal to drop his salary cap number to $1.6 million. It was reported as a $48 million dollar deal with a whopping $29 million in guaranteed money.
Except Wimbley’s deal apparently wasn’t anything approaching $29 million in guaranteed money. The Raiders can get out of it by cutting him and paying him $6.5 million.
According to Adam Caplan, who has much of this contract stuff wired and was the first to report Wimbley’s situation last year, Wimbley earned $5 million last season ($4.25 million signing bonus, $750,000 salary).
This season, Wimbley’s base salary is $11 million and $6.5 million is guaranteed. Wimbley makes that amount even if he is cut. The rest of his contract ($4.5 million) is guaranteed as of March 17.
Add it up, and he earned almost $200,000 above and beyond his $11.3 million salary cap figure by agreeing to the restructure.
But as far as the Raiders owing him $29 million guaranteed, well, . . . the Raiders are off the hook for much of that figure if Wimbley is cut before March 17.
That’s a long way of saying take any “guaranteed” money with a grain of salt.
Routt’s three-year $31.5 million extension was reported as guaranteed to the tune of $20 million. Now there are reports that it was actually $15 million, with the Raiders having escaped a $5 million guarantee by cutting him what they did. A great deal for Routt, either way, he’ll get to sign another contract.
Still, contract reporting is one of the most imprecise parts of the business. That’s why you’ll see the word “reported” preceding most, if not all, contract issues that are dealt with here.
Agents are OK with overblown reports of guarantees because prospective clients will see it and figure they can get the same. Teams aren’t concerned with it because if they’re viewed as a team that pays that kind of money, what the heck? And it’s not as if players are going to step forward immediately after signing a contract and say, “You know, this isn’t nearly as big of a contract as it looks.”
So don’t reach too much into “guaranteed money” if the Raiders opt to part with Wimbley, frees safety Michael Huff ($4 million in salary, $4 million in bonus) or defensive tackle Tommy Kelly ($6 million in salary).
McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen could attempt to sign them for less or simply move on.
It’s hard to know what they’ve got planned for strong safety Tyvon Branch, a prospective free agent. San Diego safety Eric Weddle signed a contract last year with guaranteed money reported as high as $19 million, although it’s hard to know if it really approached that figure.
There’s a chance McKenzie, Allen and Co. may look at the defensive performance in 2011 and conclude that anyone coming in at a high price isn’t worth keeping and that those with reasonable salaries can be fitted in with low-level or street free agents and the end result couldn’t possibly be worse.
The other prominent free agent is running back Michael Bush, who if franchised would get more than $7 million.
It’s what makes this offseason the most interesting since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995.
Oakland Raiders offseason plan: Get creative plugging holes
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...lan-get-creative-plugging-holes#ixzz1mwpqYHe5
Coach Dennis Allen said the day he was introduced as the replacement for Hue Jackson that the Raiders have enough talent in place to compete for a Super Bowl next season. Offensively and special teams, perhaps.
Running back Darren McFadden missed the final nine games last season with a serious foot injury. (AP Photo)
Even then, the health of running back Darren McFadden will go a long way toward determining just how potent the offense will be after he missed the final nine games last season with a serious foot injury.
Defensively, the Raiders are without a proven starting cornerback and consistent impact players. Given their salary cap situation, lack of draft picks and changes in regime and scheme, it’s easier to envision 2012 being a rebuilding year for the Raiders than one in which they build upon their near-playoff finish last season.
This doesn’t mean the Raiders are without talented players. They have several players that they can build around for years to come—left offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, wide receiver Denarius Moore and guard Stefen Wisniewski. This season will be more about laying the foundation for sustained success in the future.
Key departures
The Raiders aren’t expected to make much of a push to keep one-time key players Jason Campbell, Chaz Schilens, Trevor Scott and Ricky Brown. It’s also conceivable that they might opt against re-signing Michael Bush, Tyvon Branch and Samson Satele, if for no other reason than the cost it’s going to take to get them under contract. Khalif Barnes, Lito Sheppard and Matt Giordano are other starters from last year’s team uncertain of being asked back under the new regime.
Needs and targets
1. Cornerback. The Raiders parted ways with Nnamdi Asomugha last season and Stanford Routt this offseason. They saved a ton of money by doing so. In the process, they left themselves ultra thin at cornerback. Chris Johnson, Chimdi Chekwa, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Underwood are the only options on the roster as of now. Look for the Raiders to go after one of the top options in free agency, possibly Tracy Porter, Brent Grimes, Brandon Carr or Carlos Rogers. The Raiders also might follow through on a plan by former coach Jackson to convert free safety Michael Huff to cornerback, a position he played at times in college.
2. Wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey enjoyed a breakout season last year after two disappointing seasons to begin his NFL career. Rookie Denarius Moore was a revelation despite being a fifth-round draft pick. Second-year player Jacoby Ford gives the Raiders another speedy, big-play option. Even so, none can be considered a legitimate No. 1 receiver just yet. Fortunately for the Raiders, several should be available in free agency. The options that make the most sense are Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston. The question is, do the Raiders want to spend the kind of money it will take to sign one of the top free agents or bank on one of their current receivers taking the next step?
3. Running back. McFadden is fresh from the severe foot sprain. That brings about the prospect of the Raiders slapping the franchise tag on Bush, who filled in admirably for McFadden the final nine games last season. Bush wants to be a starting running back, yet knows it won’t be in Oakland as long as McFadden is on the roster. So, the Raiders likely will need to use the franchise tag on Bush if they hope to bring him back for another season. If the Raiders opt against going this route, they will enter the season with two question marks—McFadden and second-year back Taiwan Jones, who played only a handful of downs last season and remains an unknown commodity.
4. Backup quarterback. Carson Palmer is entrenched as the starter. Terrelle Pryor needs more time before he can be trusted to run the offense. The expected loss of Jason Campbell and Kyle Boller to free agency leaves the Raiders in need of a No. 2 quarterback. Desirable options include David Garrard, Vince Young, Kyle Orton and Dennis Dixon. The Raiders likely won’t have enough draft picks to use one on a quarterback, and they need someone experienced enough to be able to step in if Palmer gets hurt and to help mentor Pryor.
5. Linebacker. Rolando McClain and Aaron Curry are projected starters. However, both showed they can’t be considered top-notch every-down players. Therefore, the Raiders will be on the look for someone who might be able to provide an upgrade in case Allen or defensive coordinator Jason Tarver decides it’s time for a change. If so, suitable options include Manny Lawson, Joe Mays, Larry Grant and Ahmad Brooks.
Corkran's take
The Raiders will be active in free agency, though most of the moves will be on lower-profile players because of a lack of salary-cap room and the need to add so many players. GM Reggie McKenzie won’t shy away from spending for a high-profile free agent. However, he is making a conscious effort to stay away from offering the kind of “out-of-whack” contracts he inherited. The Raiders figure to make a trade or two before the draft in an attempt to recoup some of the draft picks expended in previous years. Even so, they likely won’t be able to acquire much top-notch talent through the draft this year. Given so many obstacles and so much change, in addition to a tough schedule, it’s a stretch to envision the Raiders faring better than last season when they finished 8-8 and remained in contention for a playoff spot through season’s end.
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...lan-get-creative-plugging-holes#ixzz1mwpdLY5H
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...lan-get-creative-plugging-holes#ixzz1mwpqYHe5
Coach Dennis Allen said the day he was introduced as the replacement for Hue Jackson that the Raiders have enough talent in place to compete for a Super Bowl next season. Offensively and special teams, perhaps.
Running back Darren McFadden missed the final nine games last season with a serious foot injury. (AP Photo)
Even then, the health of running back Darren McFadden will go a long way toward determining just how potent the offense will be after he missed the final nine games last season with a serious foot injury.
Defensively, the Raiders are without a proven starting cornerback and consistent impact players. Given their salary cap situation, lack of draft picks and changes in regime and scheme, it’s easier to envision 2012 being a rebuilding year for the Raiders than one in which they build upon their near-playoff finish last season.
This doesn’t mean the Raiders are without talented players. They have several players that they can build around for years to come—left offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, wide receiver Denarius Moore and guard Stefen Wisniewski. This season will be more about laying the foundation for sustained success in the future.
Key departures
The Raiders aren’t expected to make much of a push to keep one-time key players Jason Campbell, Chaz Schilens, Trevor Scott and Ricky Brown. It’s also conceivable that they might opt against re-signing Michael Bush, Tyvon Branch and Samson Satele, if for no other reason than the cost it’s going to take to get them under contract. Khalif Barnes, Lito Sheppard and Matt Giordano are other starters from last year’s team uncertain of being asked back under the new regime.
Needs and targets
1. Cornerback. The Raiders parted ways with Nnamdi Asomugha last season and Stanford Routt this offseason. They saved a ton of money by doing so. In the process, they left themselves ultra thin at cornerback. Chris Johnson, Chimdi Chekwa, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Underwood are the only options on the roster as of now. Look for the Raiders to go after one of the top options in free agency, possibly Tracy Porter, Brent Grimes, Brandon Carr or Carlos Rogers. The Raiders also might follow through on a plan by former coach Jackson to convert free safety Michael Huff to cornerback, a position he played at times in college.
2. Wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey enjoyed a breakout season last year after two disappointing seasons to begin his NFL career. Rookie Denarius Moore was a revelation despite being a fifth-round draft pick. Second-year player Jacoby Ford gives the Raiders another speedy, big-play option. Even so, none can be considered a legitimate No. 1 receiver just yet. Fortunately for the Raiders, several should be available in free agency. The options that make the most sense are Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston. The question is, do the Raiders want to spend the kind of money it will take to sign one of the top free agents or bank on one of their current receivers taking the next step?
3. Running back. McFadden is fresh from the severe foot sprain. That brings about the prospect of the Raiders slapping the franchise tag on Bush, who filled in admirably for McFadden the final nine games last season. Bush wants to be a starting running back, yet knows it won’t be in Oakland as long as McFadden is on the roster. So, the Raiders likely will need to use the franchise tag on Bush if they hope to bring him back for another season. If the Raiders opt against going this route, they will enter the season with two question marks—McFadden and second-year back Taiwan Jones, who played only a handful of downs last season and remains an unknown commodity.
4. Backup quarterback. Carson Palmer is entrenched as the starter. Terrelle Pryor needs more time before he can be trusted to run the offense. The expected loss of Jason Campbell and Kyle Boller to free agency leaves the Raiders in need of a No. 2 quarterback. Desirable options include David Garrard, Vince Young, Kyle Orton and Dennis Dixon. The Raiders likely won’t have enough draft picks to use one on a quarterback, and they need someone experienced enough to be able to step in if Palmer gets hurt and to help mentor Pryor.
5. Linebacker. Rolando McClain and Aaron Curry are projected starters. However, both showed they can’t be considered top-notch every-down players. Therefore, the Raiders will be on the look for someone who might be able to provide an upgrade in case Allen or defensive coordinator Jason Tarver decides it’s time for a change. If so, suitable options include Manny Lawson, Joe Mays, Larry Grant and Ahmad Brooks.
Corkran's take
The Raiders will be active in free agency, though most of the moves will be on lower-profile players because of a lack of salary-cap room and the need to add so many players. GM Reggie McKenzie won’t shy away from spending for a high-profile free agent. However, he is making a conscious effort to stay away from offering the kind of “out-of-whack” contracts he inherited. The Raiders figure to make a trade or two before the draft in an attempt to recoup some of the draft picks expended in previous years. Even so, they likely won’t be able to acquire much top-notch talent through the draft this year. Given so many obstacles and so much change, in addition to a tough schedule, it’s a stretch to envision the Raiders faring better than last season when they finished 8-8 and remained in contention for a playoff spot through season’s end.
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...lan-get-creative-plugging-holes#ixzz1mwpdLY5H
In an effort to improve their man-to-man coverage ability, the Kansas City Chiefs reached agreement with former Oakland Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt, the team announced Monday.
Stanford Routt
#26 CB
Kansas City Chiefs
2011 STATS
Tot
49
Solo
42
Ast
7
FF
0
Sack
0.0
Int
4
Routt will receive $6.5 million in guarantees and will make $11 million this season as part of a three-year deal, a source said. The Raiders released him from a three-year, $31.5 million deal after the season that paid him $10 million in 2011.
"Stanford has a proven record of success in the NFL," said Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel, who will serve as his own defensive coordinator next season. "He's a talented player that has spent seven seasons in the AFC West, so he is familiar with us and our division opponents."
The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings were among the other teams considering Routt, whose specialty is press, man-to-man defense.
He was scheduled to make $5 million had he stayed with the Raiders.
With Routt and Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs have two of the better man-to-man press corners in the AFC. Flowers signed a five-year, $52.5 million contract extension last year. With more than $71 million tied up in contracts for two cornerbacks, the Chiefs may not be able to keep Brandon Carr, who is an unrestricted free agent.
The Chiefs have paid handsomely the past couple of years in the defensive backfield. Safety Eric Berry is also signed to a $60 million, five-year deal that includes $34 million guaranteed.
Carr, 25, had a career-high four interceptions in 2011. He has started all 64 games in four seasons with the Chiefs, making 237 tackles and eight picks.
AFC West blog
ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes about all things AFC West in his division blog.
• Blog network: NFL Nation
The 6-1, 195-pound Routt started 30 games for the Raiders over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old cornerback is entering his eighth NFL season.
Routt's seven-year tenure in Oakland ended as the team heads in a new direction under general manager Reggie McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen.
Routt was paid like a No. 1 cornerback but didn't deliver as such last season. He was credited with allowing eight touchdown passes last season -- tied for the second-most in the NFL -- and led the league with 17 penalties committed. He did set career highs with four interceptions and 15 passes defensed, however.
NFL free agency begins March 13 but because Routt was released he was able to sign with a team before the open period for transactions begins.
i hope d.moore burns him like he was doing in camp last year
Stanford Routt
#26 CB
Kansas City Chiefs
2011 STATS
Tot
49
Solo
42
Ast
7
FF
0
Sack
0.0
Int
4
Routt will receive $6.5 million in guarantees and will make $11 million this season as part of a three-year deal, a source said. The Raiders released him from a three-year, $31.5 million deal after the season that paid him $10 million in 2011.
"Stanford has a proven record of success in the NFL," said Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel, who will serve as his own defensive coordinator next season. "He's a talented player that has spent seven seasons in the AFC West, so he is familiar with us and our division opponents."
The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings were among the other teams considering Routt, whose specialty is press, man-to-man defense.
He was scheduled to make $5 million had he stayed with the Raiders.
With Routt and Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs have two of the better man-to-man press corners in the AFC. Flowers signed a five-year, $52.5 million contract extension last year. With more than $71 million tied up in contracts for two cornerbacks, the Chiefs may not be able to keep Brandon Carr, who is an unrestricted free agent.
The Chiefs have paid handsomely the past couple of years in the defensive backfield. Safety Eric Berry is also signed to a $60 million, five-year deal that includes $34 million guaranteed.
Carr, 25, had a career-high four interceptions in 2011. He has started all 64 games in four seasons with the Chiefs, making 237 tackles and eight picks.
AFC West blog
ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes about all things AFC West in his division blog.
• Blog network: NFL Nation
The 6-1, 195-pound Routt started 30 games for the Raiders over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old cornerback is entering his eighth NFL season.
Routt's seven-year tenure in Oakland ended as the team heads in a new direction under general manager Reggie McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen.
Routt was paid like a No. 1 cornerback but didn't deliver as such last season. He was credited with allowing eight touchdown passes last season -- tied for the second-most in the NFL -- and led the league with 17 penalties committed. He did set career highs with four interceptions and 15 passes defensed, however.
NFL free agency begins March 13 but because Routt was released he was able to sign with a team before the open period for transactions begins.
i hope d.moore burns him like he was doing in camp last year
All a receiver has to do is pretend he is looking at the ball and Routt will interfere. We don't even have to throw it that way.
It could be that he wasn't giving it his all last year because he's getting paid. Getting cut can light a fire under a players ass, hopefully that isn't the case with Routt.
I would love for him to play terrible.
It could be that he wasn't giving it his all last year because he's getting paid. Getting cut can light a fire under a players ass, hopefully that isn't the case with Routt.
I would love for him to play terrible.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/raid...t-transcript-22312?blockID=656666&feedID=5885
reading this chat with Paul Gutierrez. he seems to think the Raiders will pick up Tracy Porter. I could see it happening, makes sense considering Allen was a DB coach for New Orleans, Porter is a FA, and we need help at that position badly
reading this chat with Paul Gutierrez. he seems to think the Raiders will pick up Tracy Porter. I could see it happening, makes sense considering Allen was a DB coach for New Orleans, Porter is a FA, and we need help at that position badly