Raiders under cap; who will they target?

[SuperRaider]

Unbelievable; they were 20 million over the cap a week ago and now 5 million under.....


Rapture preacher Harold Camping had next-to-nothing on the Raiders salary cap doomsday prophets two weeks ago. Oakland was anywhere from $10 million to $17 million over the cap a day before the Aug. 5 deadline to get its payroll to $120 million.

A restructure here -- think Richard Seymour -- a restructure there -- hey, there's Stanford Routt -- and a long-term deal to wipe out an $11-million franchise tag -- paging Kamerion Wimbley -- and, voila!

According to numerous reports, the Raiders on Tuesday had $5.1 million in cap space.

Fuzzy math? Or just the Raiders doing what they do best in keeping players they want to keep? I'm going to go with a little of both.

So with some money burning a hole in Al Davis' pocket, and with some definite needs on the roster -- especially in the secondary, at weak-side linebacker and on the offensive line -- what should Davis do? Should he dangle some of this coin in the direction of free agents who are just as established as they are currently unemployed? And if so, who should be his targets? The feeling here, though, is that Davis likes his starters and would be hesitant to bring in a guy to compete for the job. Rather, he might continue to bring in second-tier guys, as he's done since camp began.

I put up a poll on my Facebook page and those that voted were in favor of securing the services of safety Darren Sharper. A look, then, at those free agents you voted for, and a pro and con for each when it comes to the Raiders' potential interest.



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Gutierrez: Raiders under cap; who will they target?

[R8RMR]

I reckon that they may be looking at bringing a LB, S and possibly a FB. They are short on depth in those areas but the LB is the one they may be seeing as the highest priority.

[psj3809]

Heard it was probably Tatupu

Still would love to sign G Leonard Davis, always thought he played like a Raider

[SuperRaider]

Thing is you always need good depth on the team because people will go down injured; on that list I am tempted to go for T.J.

[psj3809]

I hate injuries but often that then gives the backup obviously the chance to shine.

Last preseason Michael Bush was the starter, what happens, he has an injury, McFadden gets the starting role ('until' Bush is ready) and he plays so well he keeps the job. If we get an injury i hope the backup comes in and does what hes meant to, play well until the starter comes back or in some instances as i say they play so well given the chance they keep the job

[R8RMR]

Getting and keeping good back-ups is difficult. The good players want to go into a starting role and not be just a back-up to an already established player or players. If they are willing to take on, or are relegated to back-up duties, it makes it difficult to get that lucrative contract and the lack of playing time means that they won't have the film to enable their agents to tout their abilities. So you end up with mostly journeyman players who can do the job but not necessarily very well.