An unofficial partial listing of 2008 Raiders personnel developments:
Linebacker Ricky Brown placed on injured reserve and fullback Marcel Reece signed off the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 26, 2008. Brown, 25, started six of seven games he appeared in during the 2008 season and contributed 37 tackles (28 solo).
Wide receiver Ashley Lelie placed on injured reserve because of a calf strain, the Raiders announced Dec. 20, 2008. Rookie tight end Darrell Strong was signed from the practice squad and added to the 53-man active roster in Lelie's place.
Lelie, 28, finished the season with 11 catches for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games (with four starts).
Former University of Alabama wide receiver D.J. Hall signed to the Oakland practice, the Raiders announced Dec. 17, 2008.
Linebacker Robert Thomas released, the Raiders announced Dec. 16, 2008. Thomas, 28 had been on injured reserve since Nov. 6.
In response to Cregg's resignation, Cable reportedly fired Director of Football Operations Mark Jackson and administrative aide Stephen Reaves on Dec. 15. Jackson and Reaves reportedly were Kiffin allies during his 20-game tenure as Raiders coach.
Punter Ricky Schmitt signed, the Raiders announced Dec. 15, 2008.
Running back Louis Rankin signed off the Oakland practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 13, 2008.
Assistant offensive line coach James Cregg reportedly resigned. Cregg telephoned Raiders interim coach Tom Cable after Oakland lost to New England on Dec. 14 to inform Cable that Cregg had accepted a position with former Raiders coach Lane Kiffin's staff at the University of Tennessee, according to published reports Dec. 16. Said Cable at his weekly news conference Dec. 15: "You got to understand offensive linemen. This is our world. If I can speak freely here, it's about pride, it's about commitment, it's about trusting everybody next to you. So, to walk your ass out of here is about as bad a deal as you could possibly do to that group of guys."
Cornerback Michael Waddell released, the Raiders announced Dec. 9, 2008.
Wide receiver Jonathan Holland signed off the Oakland practice squad and offensive lineman Dylan Gandy released, the Raiders announced Dec. 4, 2009.
Former Raiders coach Lane Kiffin hired as University of Tennessee coach, the school announced Dec. 1, 2008. Kiffin, 33, had a 5-15 record with Oakland in one plus season before being reportedly fired Sept. 29.
Walker, 30, had only 15 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown in eight games during the 2008 season. He reportedly required season-ending ankle surgery.
Wide receiver Javon Walker placed on injured reserve and guard Dylan Gandy signed, the Raiders announced Nov. 26, 2008.
Defensive back Darrick Brown signed off of Oakland’s practice squad and guard Junius Coston released, the Raiders announced Nov. 25, 2008.
Fullback Jason Davis and offensive/defensive lineman Fred Wakefield released, the Raiders announced Nov. 19, 2008. The team also signed guard Junius Coston. Coston, 25, started seven games for the Packers during the 2007 season.
Tight end Ben Troupe released, the Raiders announced Nov. 17, 2008.
Former New York Jets CB/KR Justin Miller claimed off waivers, the Raiders announced Nov. 12, 2008. Oakland also released tight end John Madsen and signed quarterback Jeff Otis to its practice squad. Miller, 24, played in only one game this season with the Jets before being released Nov. 11. He has played in 35 NFL games, all with the Jets. Miller has averaged 27.1 yards on 109 kickoff returns.
Offensive/defensive lineman Fred Wakefield placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Nov. 10, 2008.
Offensive/defensive lineman Fred Wakefield released/injured, the Raiders announced Nov. 9, 2008. Defensive end Greyson Gunheim signed off Oakland's practice squad to take Wakefield's place on the 53-player roster.
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall released, the Raiders announced Nov. 5, 2008. Hall, 24, reportedly signed a $70 million, seven-year contract with Oakland after being acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in March. The Raiders sent the Falcons a 2008 second-round draft pick and a 2009 fifth-round choice in exchange for Hall, who went to two Pro Bowls in four seasons with Atlanta. He had three interceptions and 48 tackles in eight starts with Oakland. Hall reportedly signed with the Washington Redskins on Nov. 7.
Linebacker Robert Thomas released after reaching an injury settlement, the Raiders announced Nov. 5, 2008. Thomas, 28, reportedly sustained a hamstring injury during Oakland's 24-0 loss to Atlanta on Nov. 2.
Safety/kick returner Tyvon Branch (shoulder) placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Nov. 5, 2008. Branch, 21, reportedly sustained the injury during a 24-0 loss to Atlanta on Nov. 2.
Cornerback Michael Waddell and defensive tackle William Joseph re-signed, the Raiders announced Nov. 5, 2008. Both were released during training camp. The Raiders also announced the signing of free-agent linebacker Marquis Cooper. Cooper, 26, reportedly has played for four teams since joining the NFL in 2004.
Fullback Justin Griffith placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Oct. 28, 2008. Griffith reportedly sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the third quarter of Oakland’s 29-10 loss at the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 26. The six-year veteran reportedly underwent surgery Oct. 31 and
is out for the remainder of the season.
Fullback Jason Davis signed off the Chicago Bears practice squad, the Raiders announced Oct. 28, 2008. Davis, 24, spent the 2006 season on injured reserve with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was on the Eagles practice squad in 2007. Davis is expected to compete for playing time on offense and special teams with third-year fullback Lute Lawson.
Offensive tackle Seth Wand released, the Raiders announced Oct. 28, 2008. Wand reportedly reached an injury settlement with the team before being released.
Linebacker Robert Thomas re-signed and tight end Ben Troupe placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Oct. 21, 2008. Thomas, 28, played for the Raiders in 2006-07, but he was released with an injury settlement five days before the 2008 regular-season opener. He started 10 games in 2007 at strong-side linebacker. He reportedly lost his starting job to Ricky Brown and his roster spot to a knee injury late during training camp.
Tight end John Madsen re-signed and offensive tackle Seth Wand (knee) placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Oct. 7, 2008. Madsen, 25, was released Sept. 19. The former Utah player has four starts in 33 games he has played in with Oakland.
Lane Kiffin fired as head coach, and offensive line coach Tom Cable promoted to interim head coach, the Raiders announced Sept. 30, 2008. Kiffin, 33, had a 5-15 record in one season plus with Oakland. Cable, 43, joined Oakland before the start of the 2007 season. He’s the eighth head coach for the Raiders since 1995. Kiffin joins Mike Shanahan as the only Raiders head coaches fired by managing general partner Al Davis during the season in Davis' 46-year tenure with the organization. Shanahan was canned four games into the 1989 season after a 9-12 record over two seasons.
Tight end Ben Troupe signed and tight end John Madsen released, the Raiders announced Sept. 19, 2008.
Offensive tackle Paul McQuistan placed on injured reserve and offensive tackle Seth Wand re-signed, the Raiders announced Sept. 10, 2009. McQuistan sustained a knee injury during Oakland’s season opener against Denver on Sept. 8. By going on IR, the three-year veteran is ineligible to be activated the remainder of the season. Oakland also re-signed offensive tackle Brandon Torrey to its practice squad.
Former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle George Marten claimed off waivers, the NFL announced Sept. 9, 2008. To make room on its 53-player roster, Oakland cut offensive tackle Seth Wand. The team also released offensive tackle Brandon Torrey. Marten, 24, reportedly was released Sept. 6 after being selected by Dallas during the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. The former Boston College starter didn’t see action with Dallas during the 2007 season.
Fullback Luke Lawton re-signed and linebacker Robert Thomas released/injury settlement, the Raiders announced Sept. 3, 2008. Oakland also signed defensive end Derrick Gray to its practice squad and released punter Glenn Pakulak. Lawton, 28, was among the club's final preseason cuts. The three-year veteran adds depth behind starting fullback Justin Griffith.
Former Broncos wide receiver Leslie Lelie signed and ex-Giants defensive tackle William Joseph released, the Raiders announced Sept. 2, 2008. Lelie, 28, was released by the 49ers on Aug. 30. The former Hawaii star has a 17.2 yard receiving average in six previous NFL seasons with the Broncos, Falcons and 49ers. He started only three games for the 49ers during the 2007 season and caught 10 passes for 115 yards. His best NFL season was in 2004, when he caught 54 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns for the Broncos. Joseph, 28, had no sacks or tackles during the 2008 exhibition season after signing in March. He played his first four seasons with New York before missing the 2007 season because of a back injury.
Former University of Washington running backs Louis Rankin and Marcel Reece are among eight players signed to Oakland's practice squad, the team announced Aug. 31, 2008. Also signed are wide receivers Jonathan Holland, tight end Darrell Strong; defensive back Darrick Brown, defensive ends Greyson Gunheim, punter Glenn Pakulak and offensive lineman Brandon Torrey. All except Torrey were in Oakland's 2008 training camp.
Also released are running backs Adimchinobe Echemandu and Louis Rankin, fullbacks Luke Lawton and Marcel Reece; wide receivers Chris Foy and Jonathan Holland; center Jesse Boone; guard Brandon Rodd; tight ends Darrell Strong and Chris Wagner; defensive backs Darrick Brown, Nate Lyles, Nick Sanchez, Marviel Underwood and Michael Waddell; defensive ends Greyson Gunheim and Derrick Gray; defensive tackle Josh Shaw; linebacker Shane Simmons; and punter Glenn Pakulak.
The Raiders also placed wide receiver Arman Shields (knee) on injured reserve, making him ineligible for the 2008 regular season. Shields, 23, was chosen by Oakland in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft.
Veteran safety/linerbacker Adam Archuleta is among 21 players released Aug. 30, 2008 as Oakland trims its roster to the NFL regular-season limit of 53.
Quarterback Jeff Otis released and linebacker Shane Simmons signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 27, 2008.
Kicker Aaron Elling and wide receiver Drisan James released, the Raiders announced Aug. 26, 2008. Elling, 30, made four of five field goal attempts, including a 56-yarder against Tennessee on Aug. 15, during the first three games of Oakland's 2008 exhibition season as an injury replacement for Sebastian Janikowski.
Safety Jarrod Cooper, defensive end Greg Spires and linebacker Grant Irons waived, the Raiders announced Aug. 25, 2008. Cooper, 30, spent the past 3½ seasons with the Raiders. He played seven seasons in the NFL, going to the Super Bowl with Carolina following the 2003 season.
Wide receiver Drew Carter, fullback Oren O’Neal and cornerback John Bowie placed on injured reserve with season-ending knee injuries, the Raiders announced Aug. 25, 2008. Carter and O’Neal sustained injuries during the first quarter of Oakland’s 24-0 exhibition loss to Arizona on Aug. 24. Bowie did not appear in any of the team’s first three 2008 exhibition games.
Fullback Luke Lawton claimed off waivers and defensive backs Marviel Underwood and Nate Lyles signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 25, 2008.
Archuleta, 30, reportedly is expected to contend for a position as a starting strong-side linebacker. He has been a safety during his NFL career after playing linebacker at Arizona State.
Archuleta was released by the Chicago Bears in May. In 2007, his only season with the Bears, he started 10 of 15 games in which he appeared in and ended the season as a backup and special teams player. Archuleta has started 86 of his 103 NFL career games with St. Louis, Washington and Chicago. He has 423 solo tackles and four interceptions.
Linebacker Ed Hartwell released and punter Glenn Pakulak signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 14, 2008.
Linebacker Malik Jackson waived and cornerback Nick Sanchez signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 13, 2008.
Safety Adam Archuleta signed and safety Greg Wesley released, the Raiders announced Aug. 11, 2008.
Jordan, 29, has rushed for 3,285 yards and 24 touchdowns in seven seasons with Oakland and the New York Jets. His best season was 2005 with the Raiders, when he rushed for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns and had 563 yards receiving with two touchdowns.
Jordan has been plagued by injury the past two seasons, where he combined to rush for 938 yards and five touchdowns in 21 games (with 15 starts).
Kicker Aaron Elling signed and offensive tackle Mark Wilson released, the Raiders announced Aug. 8, 2008.
Quarterback Jeff Otis re-signed, the Raiders announced July 26, 2008.
Running back LaMont Jordan released, the Raiders announced on July 25, 2008.
Oakland reportedly saved $3.3 million against the salary cap this season by releasing Jordan. The team still is accountable for $1.4 million of Jordan's prorated signing bonus this season and next.
Quarterbacks Sam Keller and Jeff Otis, and defensive lineman Tranell Morant released, the Raiders announced July 24, 2008.
Former University of Richmond wide receiver Arman Shields and ex-University of Buffalo defensive end Trevor Scott signed, the Raiders announced July 23, 2008. Oakland selected Shields (fourth round, 125th overall) and Scott (sixth round, 169th overall) during the 2008 NFL draft.
Former Kansas City safety Greg Wesley signed, the Raiders announced July 22. He reportedly received a one-year, $730,000 deal from Oakland. Wesley, 30, is expected to compete for playing time behind starters Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff. Wesley started his first seven seasons with the Chiefs before being a backup in 2007. The former Arkansas-Pine Bluff star has 29 interceptions, six sacks, 12 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 118 NFL games.
Wide receiver Will Buchanon waived, the Raiders announced July 22, 2007.
Safety Tyvon Branch signed, the Raiders announced July 15, 2007. Branch, 21, was selected by Oakland in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft. The 6-foot, 205-pound Branch ranked 13th in the nation on kickoff returns as a senior at Connecticut, averaging 28.99 yards on 27 returns.
Quarterback Sam Keller signed and quarterback Erik Meyer waived, the Raiders announced June 25, 2008. Keller, 23, wasn't selected in the 2008 NFL draft despite throwing for 2,242 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior season with the Cornhuskers. He also completed a school-record 63.1 percent of his passes. Keller, who starred at San Ramon Valley High School in the Oakland suburb of Danville, played his first three collegiate seasons at Arizona State.
"I’m very happy to have it out of the way," McFadden told reporters at a news conference June 6. "Because, like Coach (Lane Kiffin) said, I want to be in training camp. I want to be out there practicing and learning plays. Missing a day of training camp is like missing a week of college practices. It would be a major setback for me."
Kiffin said: "The day we drafted him, we knew that it was extremely important for us immediately to get this done as soon as we could. "The last thing we wanted to do with Darren, because of our ideas with him, was to go into a holdout and for him to miss any time in training camp."
McFadden, 20, rushed for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons with the University of Arkansas. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of North Little Rock, Ark. was the Heisman Trophy runner-up the past two seasons.
Hartwell reportedly will compete for the starting strong-side linebacker position with Robert Thomas and Sam Williams, who shared the duties in 2007. Oakland allowed a league-low 4.8 yards per rush during the 2007 season.
A day earlier, Oakland absorbed a $1.1 million salary-cap hit by trading cornerback Fabian Washington to the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth-round 2008 draft choice. That salary cap hit reportedly put the Raiders over their 2008 salary cap, forcing a move to reduce salary. Rhodes became expendable after the Raiders selected Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft.
Rhodes rushed for 302 yards during the 2007 season, 237 of which came in the final two games as a replacement for injured starter Justin Fargas. In his only season with the Raiders, Rhodes played in 10 games, with two starts.
Before signing with Oakland, Rhodes capped his six-season career with the Colts by rushing for 113 yards in their 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on Feb. 4, 2007.
After being released by Oakland, Rhodes re-signed with Indianapolis on May 7, 2008.
Washington, 24, started 32 of his first 37 games with Oakland before being replaced at right cornerback by Stanford Routt in Week 3 of the 2007 season. Washington had five interceptions in three seasons with the Raiders, including four in 2006.
The Raiders selected Washington with the 23rd pick in the 2005 draft.
The Raiders announced the signings of Walker and Harris on March 5.
Walker, 29, received a six-year contract that includes $16 million in guarantees and a $12 million payout in 2008. The Broncos released the six-year veteran Feb. 29 to avoid paying a $5.4 million roster bonus due on March 4.
Walker finished the 2007 season with 26 catches for 287 yards and no touchdowns after playing in only eight games. He started the season with two 100-yard games before missing two months following a third knee operation.
Walker was named to the Pro Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2004 after catching 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has 252 career catches for 3,815 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Harris, who turns 26 March 15, signed a three-year, $14 million contract. The 6-foot-7 and 322-pound lineman started every game for the 49ers in 2005 and 2006 but played in only 12 games as a reserve in 2007. His contract reportedly expired at the end of the 2007 season.
Walker is a projected replacement for Jerry Porter, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Feb. 29. Harris is expected to compete for one of two offensive tackle vacancies. Oakland released longtime starting left tackle Barry Sims on Feb. 29.
Former Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton reportedly signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on March 4, 1008. Brayton, 28, contributed 11 tackles (9 solo) as a reserve in 16 games (no starts) during the 2007 season with Oakland. He started 47 of 63 regular-season games with the Raiders from 2003 to 2006.
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp retired, the Raiders announced March 3, 2008. Sapp, 35, reportedly had three years left on his contract when he informed team officials of his intention to retire January 3.
Sapp retires with 96.5 sacks, second to John Randle’s 137.5 among NFL defensive interior linemen. Sapp finished the 2007 season with 50 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Sapp was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1999 and was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team each season from 1997 to 2003. He had four seasons with at least 10 sacks, the last coming in 2006 when he led defensive tackles with 10.
Sapp joined the Raiders as a free agent after his contract expired with the Bucs following the 2003 season. In Oakland, he had 19.5 sacks over four seasons while the team went 15-49 under three head coaches and had four last-place finishes.
The move reportedly saves the Raiders slightly less than $200,000 in salary cap room as Sims had $6.67 million in prorated bonuses still unaccounted for. He was due a $2.5 million roster bonus March 4.
Sims' release leaves Oakland without a proven left offensive tackle, unless Robert Gallery returns to the position he played during the 2006 season. Gallery played left guard during the 2007 season.
Wilson had 70 tackles and a career-high four interceptions in 13 games for the Giants during the 2007 regular season. His 284 solo tackles since entering the NFL in 2004 are the most of any safety during that span.
Wilson is the latest Super Bowl champion signed by Raiders managing general partner Al Davis. Oakland signed running back Dominic Rhodes from the Indianapolis Colts in 2007, and previously signed players such as Larry Brown (Cowboys) and Desmond Howard (Packers) after they won Super Bowl MVP awards.
Kelly's contract surpasses the then-record $47.5 million deal that Cory Reading received from the Detroit Lions in 2007.
Kelly, 27, would have been one of the top free-agent defensive tackles if he didn't re-sign with Oakland. An undrafted free agent in 2004, the former Mississippi State defensive lineman has 13 sacks and 163 tackles with Oakland.
Kelly is expected to move from end to tackle with the retirement of Warren Sapp.
Kelly sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Raiders' 13-9 loss at Tennessee on Oct. 28. He contributed 27 solo tackles and one sack while starting the first seven games of the 2007 season at defensive end.
Fargas, 28, is coming off a breakthrough season in 2007 with a career-best 1,009 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He missed the final two games after sustaining a strained right medial collateral ligament against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Fargas re-signed with Oakland rather than entering the free-agent market Feb. 29. The former USC star started seven games in 2007 after replacing former starter LaMont Jordan. His 676 yards rushing in seven starts were the second most in the NFL over that period, trailing only San Diego's LaDanian Tomlinson (694).
Fargas became the first player to lead Oakland in rushing in consecutive seasons since Charlie Garner accomplished the feat in 2001-02. In 2006, Fargas finished with 659 rushing yards after Jordan missed the final six games because of a knee injury.
Lofton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003 after 16 seasons in the NFL. The former Stanford All-America played with the Packers, Raiders, Bills, Rams and Eagles. He ranks third all-time in the NFL with 14,004 receiving yards.
Former Raiders offensive lineman Barry Sims signs a two-year contract with the 49ers, according to published reports June 23, 2008. Sims, 33, started all 16 games at left tackle in four of the past five seasons with Oakland. Before his release Feb. 29, Sims was the longest-tenured Raider, having joined the team as an undrafted free agent from the University of Utah in 1999. He started 119 of 136 contests at tackle or guard during his nine-year career with Oakland.
Linebacker Grant Irons signed, the Raiders announced June 12, 2008. Irons, who turns 29 July 7, has not played in the NFL since 2006, his fourth season with Oakland. Irons is expected to compete with Sam Williams and Robert Thomas for playing time at strong-side linebacker. He has 3.4 sacks in 41 games, with three starts.
Running back Darren McFadden, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, signed, the Raiders announced June 5, 2008. He reportedly received a $60 million, six-year deal, with $26 million guaranteed.
Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo re-signed, the Raiders announced May 22, 2008. He spent six seasons as a backup with Oakland before signing as a free agent with the New York Jets before the 2007 season. The former University of Washington star didn't play in a game with the Jets. Tuiasosopo, 29, reportedly will be given a chance to compete for the Raiders' No. 2 quarterback position with Andrew Walter behind starter JaMarcus Russell. Tuiasosopo completed 48 of 88 passes for 550 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions during six seasons with the Raiders. He threw only four passes in his first two seasons before getting a chance when Rich Gannon went down with a shoulder injury in 2003. Tuiasosopo, who started two of 11 games with Oakland, was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2001 draft (59th overall).
Free safety Stuart Schweigert released, the Raiders announced May 20, 2008. Schweigert, who will turn 27 on June 21, became expendable when Oakland signed former Giants free safety Gibril Wilson. Schweigert started 37 straight games before being replaced by Hiram Eugene during the final six games of the 2007 season. Schweigert, a 2004 third-round pick from Purdue. contributed 215 tackles and four interceptions in 63 games with the Raiders. He also had 20 passes defensed, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
Linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila released, the Raiders announced May 20, 2008. The former San Diego State starter re-signed with Oakland on March 28. Gbaja-Biamila, 29, played in 28 games for Oakland during the 2003 and 2004 seasons after being signed as an undrafted free agent.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Greg Spires signed, the Raiders announced May 13, 2008. Spires, 33, is expected to compete with Jay Richardson, Trevor Scott and Kalimba Edwards for playing time at right defensive end. Oakland signed Spires as a potential replacement for Chris Clemons, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in March. Spires has 39.5 sacks during his 10-year career, playing the past six seasons with the Buccaneers. He played only 10 games in 2007 because of a calf injury. He reportedly was released by the Bucs in February in a salary-cap move.
Cornerback Duane Starks released and fullback Matt Hahn waived, the Raiders announced May 13, 2008.
Former University of Washington wide receiver Marcel Reece signed, the Raiders announced May 13, 2008. Reece, who turns 23 June 23, had 48 catches for 980 yards and nine touchdowns as a Husky.
Former Ravens, Falcons and Bengals linebacker Edgerton Hartwell signed, the Raiders announced May 6, 2008. The oft-injured Hartwell, 30, reportedly played in only 13 games in 2005 and 2006 with Atlanta because of injuries to his knee and Achilles’ tendon. He was cut by Cincinnati before the start of 2007 season and didn't sign with any other team. The seven-year veteran has 7.0 sacks, 289 solo tackles and five forced fumbles in 77 NFL career games.
Portland State quarterback Brian White and Washington defensive end Greyson Gunheim signed, the Raiders announced May 6, 2008.
Washington running back Louis Rankin is among seven undrafted free agents signed, the Raiders announced May 1, 2008. Also signed are Arizona State guard Brandon Rodd, Pittsburgh tight end Darrell Strong, South Dakota State tight end Chris Wagner, Missouri offensive tackle Adam Spieker,McNeese State defensive back Darrick Brown and Louisville linebacker Malik Jackson.
Running back Dominic Rhodes released, the Raiders announced April 28, 2008.
The team reportedly saved $1.25 million in salary-cap space by parting with Rhodes, 29.
Rhodes, right, reportedly signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with Oakland in March 2007. He had limited playing time after returning from a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Cornerback Fabian Washington traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fourth-round pick (125th overall) in the 2008 NFL draft, the Raiders announced April 27, 2008. Oakland used the pick from the Ravens to select Richmond wide receiver Arman Shields.
Special teams standouts Jarrod Cooper and
Isaiah Ekejiuba re-sign, according to published reports April 23, 2008. Cooper, 30, has contributed 89 tackles and 1.5 sacks in five seasons with Oakland. Ekejiuba, 25, has 24 tackles in three seasons with the Raiders.
Former Tennessee Titans defensive back Michael Waddell signed, the Raiders announced April 16, 2008. Waddell, 27, played in every game for the Titans during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He reportedly has not played in a game the past two seasons because of injuries. He contributed 66 total tackles and one interception with Tennessee.
Cornerback Duane Starks re-signed, the Raiders announced April 15, 2008. Starks, 33, played in three games with Oakland during the 2006 season, contributing three tackles. He was inactive for the first three games of the 2007 season before being released. The 10-year veteran also played with the Ravens (1998-2001), Cardinals (2001-2004) and Patriots (2005).
Former Raiders cornerback and kick returner Chris Carr joins the Tennessee Titans when Oakland declines to match Tennessee's offer sheet, according to published reports April 7, 2008. In three NFL seasons, Carr returned 201 kicks for 4,841 yards. He made four starts in 48 games with Oakland.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center John Wade signed, the Raiders announced March 31, 2008. Wade, 33, started all 16 games for Tampa Bay in 2007. He reportedly lost his starting job when the Bucs signed free agent Jeff Faine. Wade is expected to compete for the starting position with Jack Grove and Chris Morris.. Wade’s signing likely means that Jeremy Newberry, Oakland’s starting center in 2007, won’t be re-signed.
Former Detroit Lions defensive end Kalimba Edwards signed, the Raiders announced March 28, 2008. He reportedly received a two-year, $5 million deal. Edwards, 28, started six of the eight games he played in during the 2007 season. He was released by Detroit on March 13. The six-year veteran has 26 sacks in 87 career games. He had six tackles, including two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in Detroit’s 36-21 victory at Oakland in their 2007 season opener.
Linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila signed, the Raiders announced March 28, 2008. Gbaja-Biamila, who turns 29 on May 6, played in 28 games for Oakland during the 2003 and 2004 seasons after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He was released by Oakland before the start of the 2005 regular season. The former San Diego State starter was released by the Miami Dolphins in September 2007 after being signed by Miami in February. He played in three games with the San Diego Chargers during the 2006 season after being out of the NFL during the 2005 season. In three NFL seasons, Gbaja-Biamila has two sacks and 22 tackles in 31 career games.
Kick returner/cornerback Chris Carr signed an offer sheet with the Tennessee Titans, according to published reports March 29, 2008. The Raiders reportedly have seven days to match the offer. If they don’t, Carr becomes a Titan and Oakland doesn’t receive compensation because Carr joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2005.
Quarterbacks Erik Meyer and Jeff Otis signed, the Raiders announced March 25, 2008. Otis, 25, was first signed by Oakland during the 2007 offseason as an undrafted free agent from Columbia. He was released near the end of training camp. Meyer, 25, spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks the past two seasons. He reportedly was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2001 and the Giants in 2004 and 2005 as a pitcher. Neither Meyer or Otis have played in an NFL regular-season game.
Linebacker Jon Alston re-signed, according to published reports March 28, 2008. Alston, who turns 25 on June 4, spent the 2007 season on Oakland’s practice squad. The former Stanford University player was an exclusive rights free agent.
Tight end John Madsen, wide receiver Chris McFoy, offensive lineman Mark Wilson, long snapper Jon Condo and linebacker Ricky Brown re-signed, the Raiders announced March 21, 2008. Madsen, Condo and Brown played key roles on special teams during the 2007 season. The five players were exclusive rights free agents.
Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, the Raiders announced March 20, 2008. The trade was finalized after Hall, 24, signed a reported a $70 million, seven-year deal with Oakland. The Falcons reportedly will receive Oakland's second-round (34th overall) pick in the 2008 NFL draft and a fifth-round selection in 2009. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Hall has 17 interceptions in four NFL seasons, all with the Falcons. He was named to the Pro Bowl in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
Former New York Giants defensive tackle William Joseph signed, the Raiders announced March 14, 2008. Joseph, 28, played in 55 games in his first four seasons with New York, contributing seven sacks and 52 tackles. The ex-Univeristy of Miami star missed the 2007 season with a back injury. He was a first-round selection (25th overall) of the Giants in the 2003 NFL draft. Joseph is expected to compete for playing time behind projected starters Tommy Kelly and Gerard Warren.
Offensive tackle Jonathan Palmer reportedly re-signed with the Raiders on March 14, 2008. The former Auburn University starter was an exclusive rights free agent. Oakland first signed Palmer, 24, off the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on Dec. 26, 2007.
Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Drew Carter signed, the Raiders announced March 12, 2008. He reportedly received a one-year, $2 million deal. Carter, 26, started seven games for the Panthers in 2007 and established career highs with 37 catches for 517 yards and four touchdowns. The former Ohio State starter has 71 receptions for 977 yards and eight touchdowns in 33 NFL career games, all with Carolina.
Former Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker and ex-49ers offensive tackle Kwame Harris signed, according to published reports March 4, 2008.
Sapp, right, developed into one of the NFL's elite at his position during nine seasons with Tampa Bay, highlighted by a Buccaneers victory in Super Bowl XXXVII over Oakland in January 2003. He had 77 of his career sacks with the Bucs, second most in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon.
Former Raiders defensive end Chris Clemons signed a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to published reports March 1, 2008. Clemons, 26, finished the 2007 season with a career-high 8.0 sacks, despite being on the field for only 37 percent of Oakland's defensive plays.
Starting offensive tackle Barry Sims released, the Raiders announced Feb. 29, 2008. Sims, 33, was the longest-tenured Raider, having joined the team as an undrafted free agent from the University of Utah in 1999. He started all 16 games in the 2007 season at left tackle and 119 of 136 contests during his nine-year career.
Former New York Giants free safety Gibril Wilson signed, the Raiders announced Feb. 29, 2007. The San Jose native reportedly received a six-year, $39 million deal that guarantees about $16 million. Wilson, 26, is expected to replace Stuart Schweigert and Hiram Eugene at free safety. Schweigert lost the starting job to Eugene during the second half of the 2007 season.
Former Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter reportedly signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Feb. 29, 2007. The deal includes $10 million guaranteed. Porter, 29, spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Raiders but never developed into a go-to receiver. He has 30 career touchdowns in 105 career games. The former West Virginia star finished the 2007 season with 44 catches for 705 yards and six touchdowns.
Former Raiders quarterback Josh McCown signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on Feb. 29, 2007. McCown, 28, threw for 10 touchdowns with 11 interceptions in nine games during the 2007 season with Oakland.
Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly reportedly signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract on Feb. 27, 2008. It's the richest deal for a defensive tackle in league history. The four-year veteran will get $18.125 million guaranteed.
Running back Justin Fargas re-signs, the Raiders announced Feb. 13, 2008. He reportedly received a three-year, $12 million deal that includes $6 million guaranteed for the 2008 season. The five-year veteran could earn as much as $14 million if he reaches performance bonuses.
Wide receiver Todd Watkins claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons, the Raiders announced Feb. 13, 2008. Watkins, 24, spent the 2007 season with the Falcons after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. The former Brigham Young University player has never appeared in an NFL regular-season game.
James Lofton hired as Raiders wide receivers coach, the team announced Feb. 6, 2008.
Lofton, 51, replaces Charles Coe, who reportedly will be re-assigned. Lofton twice previously interviewed for the head coaching position with the Raiders. He was fired by the San Diego Chargers after the 2007 season, his sixth season as wide receivers coach with the team. Lofton reportedly interviewed with Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp on Jan. 28 before finalizing a contract with managing general partner Al Davis.
Brad Roll named strength and conditioning coach, the Raiders announced Feb. 1, 2008. Roll replaces Jeff Fish, who joined the Atlanta Falcons after spending four seasons with the Raiders. Roll spent the past two seasons as strength coach with the St. Louis Rams. He previously worked for Buffalo, Miami and Tampa Bay during his 15 years in the NFL.
Outside linebacker Sam Williams re-signed, according to published reports Jan. 29, 2008. He reportedly received a one-year contract. Williams, 27, started the 2007 season as the starting strongside linebacker but lost the job to Robert Thomas. Williams started four of 11 games and finished with 16 total tackles, 11 solo.
Strength and conditioning coach Jeff Fish reportedly hired by the Atlanta Falcons. He spent the past four seasons with the Raiders.
