Oakland Raiders wisely avoiding quick fixes

March 9, 3:12 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Brown (57) and Ekejiuba (50) were smart resignings
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

After years of looking for the quick fix that would be the final piece to resume the Super Bowl run that abruptly ended after the 2002 season, the Raiders have finally come to the conclusion that they need to build. The Raiders have focused on retaining their own players and have not overpaid for any of the "names" on the market, which is a refreshing change.

 After the team collapsed in 2003, the Raiders went into free spend mode to rise back to prominence in 2004. The Raiders brought in defensive tackles Ted Washington and Warren Sapp, as well as quarterback Kerry Collins. They also tried to bolster their defensive backfield by trading for Marques Anderson. These moves did not result in the return to championship form, the team struggle to reach 5-11.

Undeterred, the Raiders accelerated their free spending by trading for professional cancer Randy Moss. They followed that up by signing running back LaMont Jordan and defensive end Derrick Burgess. The Burgess signing worked well as Burgess went to two Pro Bowls, but the other two fizzled fast. The Raiders limped to an even worse 4-11 record.

The Raiders took 2006 off from their big spending ways, but made headlines in a negative way with a protracted coaching search that led to the return of Art Shell on Feburary 11th. This team limped to the worst Raider record of the Al Davis era at 2-14.

2007 promised a fresh start with the hiring of Lane Kiffin. The Raiders didn't break the bank with huge signings, but they brought in a plethora of players. The biggest name the Raiders brought in was running back Dominic Rhodes from the Indianapolis Colts. They also brought in BJ Ward and Donvan Darius who did not finish the season in Silver and Black. They acquired Josh McCown and Mike Williams in a draft day trade with Detroit.

2008 was the worst offseason in recorded history. The Raiders shelled out big money for Gibril Wilson, Kwame Harris, and Kalmiba Edwards who are all no longer on the team. The Raiders also signed Javon Walker, who managed to produce absolutely nothing. The Raiders ended with a 5-11 season.

Now, in 2009 the Raiders are being smart and retaining their best players. They are shopping for value rather than overpaying for names as they have in the past. They are focusing their attention in their positions of need. They have avoided the quick fix that everyone expected them to pursue in Terrell Owens, which was a great move. They also seem to be avoiding overpaying Khalif Barnes. Finally, the Raiders are building a team.

SEE ALSO:

• Making all the right moves
• Drama free zone cause for optimism
• Shuffling the offensive line
• So begins Raiders free agency
• How will the Raiders build?
• FA the Raiders must retain
• 2005 acquisitions revisit Raiders