The Oakland Raiders have finally added to their roster this free agency period by signing offensive tackle Erik Pears away from their arch-rival Denver Broncos. They allowed center Jake Grove to depart for the Miami Dolphins and are bringing in replacements for a look. The offensive line is a vey good place for the Raiders to start their makeover.
Pears started 26 games in his first two years in Denver before missing the entire 2008 campaign to appendicitis. At 6'8" 305 he should fit in well with Cable's athletic linemen for the zone blocking scheme. This move could mean that the Raiders will not be bringing back Cornell Green. This also should not prevent the Raiders from making a run for Kalif Barnes.
It is surprising that Examiner.com Examiner Publishing Toolan injury prone Jake Grove was able to secure a 5 year $30 million contract with $14 guaranteed. In his time in Oakland, he never lived up to the expectations the Raiders had when they drafted him in the second round in 2004.
The Raiders have also resigned their right guard Cooper Carlisle. Carlisle has been above average at right guard and is thought of as a zone blocking system lineman. With the Raiders needing to upgrade at center and right tackle at the minimum, keeping Carlisle was a smart move for the Raiders.
The Coast Guard has called off the search for Marquis Cooper and his two friends. My prayers are with the friends and families of the three men who were lost at sea.
SEE ALSO:
- Search for Cooper called off
- Carlisle signed: Grove leaves
- Raiders FA shopping list
- Offensive line a priority
- Highest priority positions to upgrade
Comments
If the Raiders do not draft toward the goal of a dominate "O" line , they will continue to shuffle into another losing season. THE WAR IN THE TRENCHES IS NOT WON BY SHUFFLING MEDIOCRE PLAYERS.
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