Smart Oakland Raiders offseason continues

April 6, 12:58 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Walter is out as backup as the Raiders have acquired Garcia
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

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The Oakland Raiders have been very deliberate with their moves this offseason. They have focused on making smart acquisitions at positions of need. With the word out that Jeff Garcia is about to be the next acquisition, it shows that the Raiders deliberate pace is paying off.

The Raiders have needed a veteran quarterback to go with JaMarcus Russell since the 08 offseason, and Garcia will fill that bill. Despite the rhetoric about Garcia 'competing' with Russell for the starting job, barring something extraordinary Russell will be the starter come September 14th.

Jeff Garcia is a cagey veteran who was able to make a name for himself and have three Pro Bowl appearances, despite not being drafted out of San Jose State. He played in the CFL before coming back home to the Bay Area to play with the San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers, he was able to lead an overachieving team into the playoffs. Despite his soft image, he has a tough streak. He displayed that in a game against the Raiders where he was being pummeled by defensive end Regan Upshaw, and despite getting hit as he threw the ball on nearly every play he was able to pop right back up and continue leading the Niners down the field.

Being that he is the grandson of a football coach, and a long time NFL veteran, he should have a lot of knowledge that he can share with Russell. The fact that they are different types of quarterbacks is immaterial. There are many basic aspects of being a quarterback that is universal.

This move in conjunction with the acquisition of Bruce Gradkowski earlier this offseason likely means that Andrew Walter is on his way out of town. In the past three years, he has fallen from quarterback of the future to third on the depth chart behind Marques Tuiasosopo.

NOTE: The Michael Bush and second round pick to Cincy for Chad OhcoCinco Johnson rumor is likely nothing more than hot air. It is less credible than the T.O. to Oakland rumor earlier this offseason.