2014 NFL Free Agency: Oakland Raiders- Potential Cuts and Free Agents
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo By Alex Dunlap

The Raiders enter the 2014 offseason with the most cap room of any team in the league—an estimated $63M in space. Of course, they have one of the worst rosters in the NFL, boasting no quarterback and 23 free agents. It’s unique to see the vast majority of Oakland’s roster signed for less than $1M in 2014.

The Saint Bernard Reggie McKenzie has a lot of work to do. Very high on the priority list will be resigning key defensive free agents, and stalwart offensive left tackle Jared Veldheer. If Mckenzie can’t get this done, his job will be in immediate jeopardy.

Oakland will obviously be working to improve its roster via free agency, as well. It will be interesting to see how disciplined and measured this regime’s approach is. It could be a chore attracting good free agents to the Black Hole without overspending.

Fantasy relevant Free Agents include: Darren McFadden (RB) who won’t and shouldn’t be back, Rashad Jennings (RB) who SHOULD be resigned, and Jacoby Ford (WR) who is not a priority.

Almost anybody on the current roster could be cut. But, with so much cap room, and a roster full of meagerly paid role players- there isn’t much cap savings to be had by doing so.

One player that stands out is Marcel Reece (RB/FB). While he’s been one of the best players on the team- one whom many consider underutilized- that’s probably more of an indictment on the current roster than anything else. Realistically, he’s a wild-card fullback who has been used in spot duty. Those type of players don’t make the $4M he’s slated for in 2014. Don’t get us wrong, he’s a leader and valuable player- we love Marcel Reece and are at the front of the line supporting that he get paid. Still, we expect some type of attempt at a restructure here.

*Key Defensive Free Agents- Lamarr Houston (DL), Tracy Porter (CB), Charles Woodson (S), Mike Jenkins (CB), Pat Simms (DT), Vance Walker (DT)