An unofficial partial listing of 2009-2010 Raiders personnel developments:
"Willie shall be remembered as one of the, if not the, greatest Raider players of all time,” chief executive Amy Trask said in a statement Jan. 13, 2010. “We will honor Willie in the coming months.”
Brown, perhaps, is best known for intercepting a Fran Tarkenton pass and returning it a Super Bowl-record 75 yards for a touchdown in Oakland’s 32-14 Super Bowl XI victory over the Minnesota Vikings at the end of the 1976 season. His record would stand for 29 years until being broken by Kelly Herndon's 76-yard interception return in Super Bowl XL.
Brown, a former Grambling State University star, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and is regarded as one of the best cover corners in NFL history.
Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown reportedly is retiring after 39 years as a player and coach with the Raiders. Brown, 69, spent the past 15 years as an assistant defensive backs coach and director of squad development.
Brown, right, began his pro career with the American Football League's Denver Broncos in 1963. He came to the Raiders in a trade before the 1967 season and spent the next 12 seasons developing a Hall of Fame career. Brown and Lester Hayes share the Raiders franchise record of 39 career interceptions. In his 16 pro seasons, Brown had 54 interceptions and was named to the Pro Bowl nine times.
Stewart was fined $25,000 for “making intentional physical contact with a game official,” according to the league. Seymour was fined $10,000 for striking an opponent after the play was over and Routt was docked $5,000 for head-butting an opponent.
Routt and Stewart also were ejected following their penalties during Oakland’s 23-9 loss at Cleveland on Dec. 27. The Raiders were penalized 13 times for 126 yards overall in the game.
Three Raiders players — tight end Tony Stewart, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and cornerback Stanford Routt — fined a combined $40,000 by the National Football League for personal fouls against the Cleveland Browns, according to published reports Dec. 31, 2009.
Wide receiver Nick Miller (shin) and linebacker Slade Norris (hamstring) placed on the injured-reserve list, the Raiders announced Dec. 30, 2009. Defensive end Greyson Gunheim and safety Jerome Boyd were signed from the practice squad to replace Miller and Norris on the 53-player roster.
Lawton, 29, will miss Oakland's final two games of the 2009 season and the first two games of the 2010 season. He reportedly will lose nearly $63,000 in salary. Lawton played in 13 games this season with three starts. The four-year veteran has contributed 7 catches for 31 yards this season.
Fullback Marcel Reese signed to the Raiders practice squad, the Raiders announced on Dec. 25, 2009.
Fullback Luke Lawton is suspended four games without pay by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances, the NFL announced Dec. 24, 2009.
Quarterback Jeff Otis signed to the Raiders practice squad, according to published reports Dec. 23, 2009.
Former Stanford center Tim Mattran signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 17, 2009.
Former Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman signed, the Raiders announced Dec. 16, 2009. Losman, 28, threw for 33 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in five seasons with the Bills. He recently led the Las Vegas Locomotives to the United Football League title during its inaugural season.
G Roy Schuening waived, the Raiders announced Dec. 15, 2009.
OT Elliot Vallejo signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 14, 2009.
Guard Robert Gallery placed on injured reserve and offensive lineman Roy Schuening signed off the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 13, 2009. Gallery sustained a lower back injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 6 and reportedly needs surgery to correct the damage.
Linebacker Jon Alston (concussion) placed on the injured-reserve list, the Raiders announced Nov. 25, 2009. Oakland signed linebacker Slade Norris off its practice squad to take Alston's place on the 53-man roster. The Raiders also waived cornerback John Bowie, who had been on the injured-reserve list since late September because of a knee injury.
Linebacker Ricky Brown placed on injured reserve because of a right ankle injury, the Raiders announced Nov. 22, 2009. Brown, 25, sustained the injury Oct. 11 against the New York Giants and hadn't played since that game. Oakland signed rookie linebacker David Nixon from its practice squad to take Brown’s place on the 53-man roster. The Raiders signed Nixon, 24, as an undrafted free agent out of Brigham Young.
Joseph, 30, appeared in eight games for the Raiders during the 2008 season. He was re-signed before the start of the 2009 regular season but released again to make room for the arrival of defensive lineman Richard Seymour two days before the regular-season opener.
McQuistan, 26, was Oakland’s third-round selection in the 2006 NFL draft. He started six games as a rookie and six in 2007. The former Weber State starter spent all except one game on Oakland’s 2008 injured reserve list.
Defensive tackle William Joseph re-signed and offensive lineman Paul McQuistan released, the Raiders announced Nov. 9, 2009.
Guard Brandon Rodd released from the practice squad, the Raiders announced Nov. 4, 2009. Receiver Shaun Bodiford signed to take Rodd's place on the practice squad. Bodiford, 27, appeared in 12 games for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions in 2006 and ’07. He caught one pass for 13 yards.
Fullback Oren O'Neal placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Oct. 15, 2009. O'Neal, 26, reportedly sustained an ankle injury during Oakland's 44-7 loss to the New York Giants on Oct. 11.
Fullback Oren O'Neal placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Oct. 15, 2009. O'Neal, 26, reportedly sustained an ankle injury during Oakland's 44-7 loss to the New York Giants on Oct. 11.
Offensive tackle Langston Walker re-signed, the Raiders announced Oct. 14, 2009. Walker, 30, was selected by Oakland during the second round of the 2002 NFL draft and spent five seasons with the Raiders. He started 33 of 66 games in which he played in with Oakland. The ex-University of California lineman signed with Buffalo in 2007 and was cut the week before the 2009 regular season began. He started all 32 games the past two seasons with the Bills. To make room for Walker, backup fullback Oren O’Neal is waived/injured, the Raiders announced.
Safety Rashad Baker released from the Raaiders' injured reserve list, the team announced Oct. 14, 2009. Baker, 29, reportedly sustained a shoulder injury and a concussion during training camp and was placed on I.R. just before the season started.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Gary Russell re-signed, the Raiders announced Oct. 7, 2009. To make room on the 53-player active roster for Russell, Oakland released cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller. Russell, 23, spent his first two NFL seasons with the Steelers. He returned 16 kicks for an average of 23.2 yards in 2008. The former University of Minnesota player was released by Oakland during the final cuts of the 2009 preseason.
Defensive end Richard Seymour fined $7,500 for unnecessary roughness against Denver OT Ryan Clady during their game Sept. 27, the NFL announced Oct. 2, 2009. After the play was over, Seymour reportedly pulled Clady's hair.
Cornerback John Bowie released after reaching an injury settlement, the Raiders announced Oct. 1, 2009. Oakland selected the former University of Cincinnati player with a fourth-round pick (110th overall) in the 2007 NFL draft. The Raiders acquired the selection from the New England Patriots in exchange for wide receiver Randy Moss. Bowie, 25, appeared in five games in his two-plus seasons with the Raiders and collected two tackles.
Moss has started all 35 regular-season games since the trade – he also played three postseason games - and recorded 193 receptions for 2,782 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller re-signed and cornerback John Bowie placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury, the Raiders announced Sept. 30, 2009. Oakland also announced that offensive lineman Brandon Rodd had been signed to the practice squad.
Wide receiver/kick returner Jonathan Holland signed off the Oakland practice squad, the Raiders announced Sept. 27, 2009. To make room on the 53-player roster, Oakland released running back/kick returner Louis Rankin.
Defensive tackle William Joseph released, the Raiders announced Sept. 14, 2009.
Defensive tackle William Joseph re-signed, the Raiders announced Sept. 10, 2009.
Defensive backs Jason Horton and Michael Hawkins waived after they reached an injury settlement, the Raiders announced Sept. 9, 2009.
Seymour, 29, started 105 of 111 games with New England. His 39 career sacks rank tied for 10th in franchise history. In 2008, he started 15 games and contributed 63 total tackles with 34 solo stops, including eight sacks.
The former University of Georgia star was selected sixth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by New England. He was named to the Pro Bowl five straight times, from 2002 to 2006.
Five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour traded by New England to Oakland in exchange for a 2011 first-round draft choice, the Patroits announced Sept. 6, 2009. In his eight seasons with New England, he helped the Patriots win three Super Bowl titles, four AFC titles and six AFC East titles.
Seymour, right, reportedly is signed through the end of the 2009 season. The nine-year veteran is scheduled to earn $3.685 million this season. At 6-feet-6, 310 pounds, he has the versatility to play defensive end or tackle.
Defensive tackle William Joseph released, the Raiders announced Sept. 6, 2006. Joseph, 30, played in eight games during the 2008 season, contributing 8 tackles.
Linebackers Slade Norris and David Nixon, safety Jerome Boyd, defensive end Greyson Gunheim, fullback Marcel Reece, and wide receiver Jonathan Holland signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Sept. 6, 2009.
Oakland also released:
Running back Gary Russell, wide receiver Jonathan Holland,
guard Mark Wilson,, offensive tackles Seth Wand and James Marten, tight end Darrell Strong, fullback Marcel Reece, defensive end Greyson Gunheim, defensive tackles Terdell Sands and Ryan Boschetti,
linebackers Morlon Greenwood, Chris O’Neill, David Nixon and Slade Norris, cornerbacks Darrick Brown and Justin Miller, safety Jerome Boyd and
punter Ricky Schmidtt.
Center John Wade, safety Rashad Baker and cornerback Michael Hawkins are waived/injured.
Cornerback Michael Hawkins placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Sept. 6, 2009.
Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia tops a list of 19 players released, the Raiders announced Sept. 5, 2009.
Wide receiver Will Franklin is among five players released, the Raiders announced Aug. 31, 2009. Also released are wide receiver Shawn Bayes, center Jonathan Compas, offensive lineman Marcus Johnson and defensive tackle Joe Cohen.
LB Chris O'Neil re-signed and LB Napoleon Harris released, the Raiders announced Aug, 29, 2009.
Defensive back Michael Hawkins signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 26, 2009.
Hawkins, 26, reportedly played in 11 games for the Green Bay Packers in 2005 and seven for the Cleveland Browns in 2006. He didn't play in any games the past two seasons.
Fullback Lorenzo Neal released after reaching an injury settlement and wide receiver Samie Parker released, the Raiders announced Aug. 26, 2009.
Cornerback Jason Horton placed on injured reserve, the Raiders announced Aug. 26, 2009.
Cornerback Jason Horton waived after reaching an injury settlement, the Raiders announced Aug. 25, 2009. Oakland also announced that defensive tackle Joe Cohen had been claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.
Harris' NFL claim to fame is that he was part of a package, including a reported first and seventh-round draft picks, that brought wide receiver Randy Moss to Oakland in a 2005 trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
Harris spent parts of the past four seasons with the Vikings (twice) and the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 8.5 sacks, four interceptions and 349 solo tackles in 100 NFL games.
Middle linebacker Napoleon Harris re-signs with the Raiders, according to published reports Aug. 24, 2009. Harris, 30, helped Oakland advance to Super Bowl XXXVII at the end of the 2002 season after being one of two first-round draft picks by the Raiders earlier in the year. The former Northwestern defensive end started 13 games as a rookie, contributing 59 solo tackles.
Cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. released, according to published reports Aug. 24, 2009.
Fullback Lorenzo Neal is placed on injured reserve and safety Rashad Baker re-signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 19, 2009. After signing with Oakland on May 8, Neal, 38, was expected to compete for playing time with Oren O’Neal and Luke Lawton. By going on the injured list, Neal is ineligible to play during the 2009 season. Baker, 27, was the Raiders' co-leader in interceptions with three and a standout special teams player during the 2008 season. He reportedly signed a one-year $775,000 contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March before being released Aug. 18.
Outside linebacker Morlon Greenwood signed and defensive end Derrick Gray released, the Raiders announced Aug. 16, 2009. Greenwood, 31, spent the past four seasons with the Houston Texans after playing with the Miami Dolphins from 2001 to 2004. He played in 125 of 128 games over that span. Gray, 23,
Cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. signed and tight end John Paul Foschi released, the Raiders announced Aug. 15, 2009. Manning, 28, has 14 interceptions in six NFL seasons with Carolina, Chicago and St. Louis. The former UCLA star played in Super Bowls with Carolina in 2004 and Chicago in 2007. Foschi, 27, re-signed with Oakland during the offseason. He played in 10 games with five starts for Oakland during the 2005 season. Foschi played in seven games with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2008 season.
Burgess, 31, has 46 career sacks in
85 games with Philadelphia and Oakland. He had a career high 16.0 sacks in 2005, his first of four seasons with the Raiders.
Defensive end Derrick Burgess traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for undisclosed draft considerations, the Patriots announced Aug. 6, 2009. According to published reports, the Raiders will receive a 2010 third-round pick and a fourth or fifth-round 2010 pick in exchange for Burgess.
Burgess, right, had been AWOL since the Raiders opened training camp July 28. The two-time Pro Bowler had only 3.5 sacks in 10 games during an injury-plagued 2008 season. The eight-year veteran is in the final year of his contract, which reportedly pays him $2 million in base salary this season.
Offensive lineman Seth Wand re-signed and linebacker Chris O'Neil released, the Raiders announced Aug. 5, 2009.
Former Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter signed by the New England Patriots, the Patriots announced Aug. 3, 2009.
Former Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward Bey signed a five-year contract, according to published reports July 30, 2009. Heyward-Bey, 22, was selected by Oakland with the seventh overall choice during the 2009 NFL Draft. The contract reportedly will pay him $38.25 million in base salary, with at least $23.5 million guaranteed.
Quarterback Andrew Walter released, the Raiders announced July 30, 2009. Walter, 27, threw for 1,919 yards and 3 touchdowns with 13 interceptions in four seasons (2005 through 2008) with Oakland. The former Arizona State star was selected by the Raiders during the third round (69th pick) during the 2005 NFL Draft.
Tight end Brandon Myers signed, the Raiders announced July 30, 2009. Myers, 23, was selected by Oakland during the sixth round (202nd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Javon Walker placed on the Physically Unable To Perform List, the Raiders announced July 30, 2009. Walker, 30, started seven of eight games during the 2008 season before going on injured reserve in late November. He contributed 15 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown.
Former Oregon State defensive end/linebacker Slade Norris signed, the Raiders announced July 29, 2009, Norris, 23, was selected by Oakland during the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Arman Shields (knee) released after he failed his physical, the Raiders announced July 29, 2009. Shields, 24, spent his rookie season on injured reserve.
Quarterback Danny Southwick released, the Raiders announced July 29, 2009.
Former Florida wide receiver Louis Murphy signed a four-year contract, according to published reports July 28, 2009. Murphy, 22, was selected by Oakland in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Former Ohio University safety Mike Mitchell signed a four-year contract, according to published reports July 27, 2009. Mitchell, 22, was selected by Oakland in the second round (47th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Former Wisconsin defensive end Matt Shaughnessy signed with the Raiders, according to published reports July 24, 2009. Shaughnessy, 22, was selected by Oakland during the third round (71st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Defensive end Stryker Sulak and linebacker Frantz Joseph released, the Raiders announced July 14. Stryker, 23, was the team's sixth-round choice (199th overall) during the 2009 NFL Draft.
Safety Keith Davis released, the Raiders announced July 13, 2009. Davis, 30, had signed with Oakland on May 21. He played in 84 games with 31 starts in six seasons with Dallas after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2002.
Ellis' signing could allow the Raiders to trade former Pro Bowler Derrick Burgess, who enters the final year of a reported five-year contract. The nine-year veteran reportedly is due a base salary of $2 million in the 2009 season. He missed six games during 2008 because of a triceps injury. The ex-Philadelphia Eagle had 35.0 sacks in his first three seasons with Oakland before having 3.5 sacks during 2008.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis signed, the Raiders announced June 16, 2009. Ellis, who turns 34 on Aug. 14, spent his first NFL 11 seasons with the Cowboys. He has 77 career sacks, including a career-best 12.5 in 2007. The former University of North Carolina star had 30 or more tackles in eight of his NFL seasons. Ellis was released by the Cowboys on June 2.
Frye’s signing gives Oakland six quarterbacks on its pre-training camp roster. The others are stater JaMarcus Russell, primary backup Jeff Garcia, Andrew Walter, Bruce Gradkowski and rookie Danny Southwick.
The Browns demoted Frye, a third-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, after only one game in 2007. He reportedly holds the dubious distinction of being the only quarterback in NFL history who began the season as the starter and was traded after one game.
Former Browns and Seahawks
quarterback Charlie Frye signed, the Raiders announced June 8, 2009. Frye, 27, spent the past two seasons with Seattle after playing three seasons with Cleveland. He started one game in 2008, completing 12 of 23 passes for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. The former University of Akron star has thrown for 16 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in four NFL seasons.
Former Dallas Cowboys safety Keith Davis signed, the Raiders announced May 21, 2009. Davis, 30, played in 84 games with 31 starts in six seasons with Dallas after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2002. Hiram Eugene is the only returning starter at safety for Oakland.
Wide receiver Will Franklin claimed off waivers from the Detroit Lions, the Raiders announced May 19, 2009. Franklin, 23, caught seven passes for 83 yards and no touchdowns with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2008 season.
Tight end John Paul Foschi signed, the Raiders announced May 14, 2009. Foschi, 26, played in seven games with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2008 season. He contributed one tackle on special teams for the Chiefs. Foschi played in 10 games with five starts for Oakland during the 2005 season, catching 6 passes for 37 yards. The former Georgia Tech standout was released by the Raiders after playing in two games during the 2006 season.
Quarterback Danny Southwick signed, the Raiders announced May 12, 2009. Southwick, 27, threw for 15 touchdowns in 98 attempts after signing with the Louisville Fire during the 2008 arenafootball2 season.
Wide receiver Samie Parker signed, the Raiders announced May 11, 2009. Parker, 28, didn't see action during a 2008 NFL regular-season game. The former Univerity of Oregon standout had 110 catches for 1,529 yards and 7 touchdowns in four seasons (2004 thru 2007) with Kansas City.
Veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal signed, the Raiders announced May 8, 2009. Neal, 38, was the lead blocker for Eddie George with the Tennessee Titans in 1999-2000 and LaDainian Tomlinson with the San Diego Chargers from 2003 to 2007. Neal, who played with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2008 season, is expected to compete for playing time with Oren O’Neal and Luke Lawton.
Running back Gary Russell signed, the Raiders announced May 8, 2009. Russell, 22, played in 15 games the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He rushed 35 times for 98 yards and three touchdowns.
Brigham Young linebacker David Nixon and Florida Atlantic linebacker Frantz Joseph signed, the Raiders announced May 4, 2009.
Bosie State tight end Chris O’Neill and Oregon linebacker Jerome Boyd is among six undrafted free agents signed, the Raiders announced April 30, 2009. Also signed:
Harvard defensive tackle Desmond Bryant, UC Davis guard Jonathan Compas, Southern Utah wide receiver Nick Miller and Kent State tight end Shawn Bayes.
Safety Hiram Eugene re-signed, the Raiders announced April 13, 2009. Eugene, 28, started the final 10 games of the 2008 season at free safety after replacing former starter Michael Huff in Week 7 against the Jets. Eugene finished the season with 57 total tackles (46 solo).
Veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia signed, the Raiders announced April 6, 2009. 
Garcia, 39, reportedly is expected to compete with Andrew Walter and Bruce Gradkowski for two backup quarterback spots behind starter JaMarcus Russell.
Garcia, right, has played for the 49ers, Eagles and Buccaneers during his 10-season NFL career. He threw for 12 TDs and 2,712 yards and 6 INTs in 12 games (11 starts) during the 2008 season with the Bucs. The former San Jose State star has thrown for 25,537 yards and 161 TDs with 83 INTs during his NFL career.
Former Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Marcus Johnson signed, the Raiders announced April 6, 2009. Johnson, 27, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Vikings and started 18 of the 47 games he played.
Linebacker Sam Williams re-signs and DT Ryan Boschetti signs, the Raiders announced April 1, 2009. Williams, 28, has started 22 of 58 games with two sacks during six NFL seasons, all with Oakland. Boschetti, 27, started 2 of 22 games he played with the Washington Redskins during the past five seasons.
Center Samson Satele acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Dolphins announced March 23, 2009. The Raiders reportedly sent the Dolphins 2009 fourth- and sixth-round picks in exchange for Satele and a fourth-round pick. Satele, 24, started all 16 games in each of his two NFL seasons. He became expendable when Miami signed former Raiders center Jake Grove in early March. Satele is expected to compete for the starting center position with veteran John Wade.
Kick returner Justin Miller and defensive tackle William Joseph, re-signed, the Raiders announced March 16, 2009. Center Chris Morris, linebacker Ricky Brown and long-snapper Jon Condo signed one-year qualifying offers, the team announced.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Khalif Barnes signed a one-year contract, according to published reports March 14, 2009. The Raiders confirmed the signing March 16. Barnes, 26, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting 57 of 60 regular-season games. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound linemen is expected to start at left offensive tackle with Oakland. Kwame Harris, cut in February, and Mario Henderson shared time at left offensive tackle with the Raiders during the 2008 season.
Wide receiver Javon Walker restructures his contact and will remain with Oakland, according to published reports March 5, 2009. Under his previous deal, the eight-year veteran had a salary cap figure of $10.833 million and was due a $5 million roster bonus and $4 million salary
in the coming season. Under the new deal, the former Packer and Bronco reportedly will have a salary cap figure of $3.83 million — including the prorated amount ($1.83 million) of his $11 million signing bonus in 2008. His reported 2009 base salary of $2 million will also count against the $123 million cap. Walker, 30, had only 15 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown in eight games during the 2008 season before undergoing season-ending ankle surgery.
Grove, 29, became an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27 after spending his first five NFL seasons with Oakland. The former Virginia Tech All-American started 46 games at center and guard with the Raiders. He started 12 games at center during the 2008 season. Oakland selected Grove in the second round (45th overall pick) of the 2004 NFL Draft. Grove’s departure elevates John Wade as the Raiders’ projected starting center.
Former Raiders center Jake Grove signed with the Miami Dolphins, the Dolphins announced March 3, 2009. He reportedly received a five-year, $30 million deal with $14 million guaranteed.
Former Denver Broncos OT Erik Pears signed, the Raiders announced March 3, 2009. Pears, 26, started all 16 regular-season games for the Broncos in 2007 and 10 of 16 in 2006 as a rookie. The former Colorado State standout missed all of the 2008 season after undergoing an appendectomy.
Guard Cooper Carlisle, LB Isaiah Ekejiuba and Tony Stewart resigned, the Raiders announced March 3, 2009. Carlisle, 31, started 15 of Oakland's 16 regular-season games in 2008 and all 16 in 2007. Stewart, 29, caught 11 passes for 81 yards and no touchdowns as the primary backup to Zach Miller.
Harris, 26, reportedly was due a $6 million roster bonus in March and a $1 million base salary in 2009. He was replaced at starting left tackle by Mario Henderson late last season. Harris led the league in false-start penalties in 2008.
Griffith, 31, sustained a season-ending knee injury late in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 26. By releasing Griffith, Oakland reportedly saves $1.1 million against the 2009 salary cap.
Offensive tackle Kwame Harris and fullback Justin Griffith released, the Raiders announced Feb. 23, 2009. The moves reportedly freed up $8.3 million in salary-cap room.
Wilson, reportedly due a $2.5 million salary and a $4.5 million roster bonus in March, was signed to a six-year, $39 million deal during the 2008 offseason after leading the Super Bowl champion New York Giants in tackles. He was second on the Raiders with 134 total tackles (98 solo) and made two interceptions in 2008.
Curry, reportedly due a $3.5 million salary in 2009,
contributed 19 catches for 181 yards during the 2008 season. The seven-year veteran was Oakland’s top receiver in 2006 and 2007 with 117 catches for 1,444 yards.
Edwards, reportedly due $2.25 million in salary in 2009, had five sacks last season before missing the final two games because of injury.
The three released players will save the Raiders approximately $6.2 million in salary cap space, according to published reports.
All NFL teams must be at or below the reported $123 million salary cap when 2009 free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 27.
Saftey Gibril Wilson, wide receiver Ronald Curry and defensive end Kalimba Edwards released, the Raiders announced Feb. 20, 2009.
It’s the richest contract for a defensive back in NFL history, according to ESPN.
Asomugha, 27, reportedly is guaranteed $28.5 million over the first two years, with the Raiders having the option in the third year to pay $16.8 million or the franchise free agent figure for NFL quarterbacks, whatever is greater.
Asante Samuel, the 2008 top free agent cornerback, reportedly received $20 million guaranteed from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Indianapolis Colts on Feb. 18 reportedly signed cornerback Leo Hayden to a five-year contract with $23 million in guaranteed money.
The deadline for teams to apply a franchise tag on a player was Feb. 18.
Last season, Asmougha was selected to his second Pro Bowl and chosen for The Associated Press All-Pro team despite having only one interception because Raiders opponents rarely tested his side of the field.
Asomugha, the the 31st player taken in the 2003 NFL Draft, has 10 career interceptions. He had eight interceptions and was a late selection to the Pro Bowl during the 2006 season.
All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha re-signed, the Raiders announced Feb. 19, 2009. The three-year deal is worth a staggering $45.3 million, according to the NFL Network.
Asomugha, right, reportedly earned $9.765 million last season after Oakland placed the exclusive franchise tag on the six-year veteran from the University of California. Before re-signing, he was expected to get the franchise tag again — with his 2009 salary reportedly increasing to around $11.7 million.
"This contract is the greatest ever given to a punter in the history of the National Football League," Raiders senior executive John Hererra told The Associated Press on Feb. 18.
Lechler, 32, reportedly earned $1.5 million during the 2008 season. He was named to his fourth Pro Bowl last season. The nine-year veteran could have become a free agent Feb. 27, the start of the league’s annual free agency signing period.
Lechler's career punting average of 46.8 yards is the highest in NFL history. He has led the league in net punting the past two seasons,
averaging 41.1 in 2007 and 41.2 in 2008.
All-Pro punter Shane Lechler
re-signed, the Raiders announced Feb. 18, 2009. The NFL Network reported that Lechler's deal is worth $16 million over four years, with $9 million guaranteed.
Cornerback Chris Johnson signed a four-year contract extension, according to published reports Feb. 14, 2009. He reportedly received a $15.3 million deal. Johnson, 29, started the final eight games of the 2008 season after Oakland released veteran DeAngelo Hall.
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bruce Gradkowski claimed off waivers, the Raiders announced Feb. 10, 2009. Gradkowski, 26, has started 12 games in three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Browns. He started one of two games he played in during the 2008 season with the Browns.
Jim Michalczik named offensive line coach, the Raiders announced Feb. 9, 2008. Michalczik, 42, spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach at the University of California. The former Washington State guard joined the Raiders after reportedly being hired as the University of Washington offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in mid-December. New Raiders head coach Tom Cable was Oakland offensive line coach the past two seasons.
Tollner, 68, spent the past two seasons as a San Francisco 49ers assistant. The former USC and San Diego State head coach was dismissed as 49ers quarterbacks coach after the 2008 season. Marshall, 63, spent the past three seasons as Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator. Haluchak, 59, was the Cleveland Browns linebackers coach the past four seasons. Lal and Henry spent the past two seasons as Raiders offensive quality control assistants.
The Raiders on Feb. 4, 2009 announced the hiring of assistant coaches Ted Tollner (passing game coordinator), John Marshall (defensive coordinator), Mike Haluchak (linebackers coach), Sanjay Lal (wide receivers coach) and Adam Henry (tight ends).
Tom Cable named Raiders head coach, the team announced Feb. 3, 2009. Cable, 44, had a 4-8 record during the final 12 games of the 2008 season as Raiders interim head coach after replacing Lane Kiffin, fired Sept. 30.
Paul Hackett named Raiders quarterbacks coach, the team announced Jan 28, 2009. Hackett, 61, was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach from 2005 to 2007 before being hired by the Raiders as a consultant in 2008.
Former Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Dwaine Board hired as Oakland defensive line coach, according to published reports Jan. 27, 2009. Board, who spent the past six seasons with the Seahawks, replaces Keith Millard. Millard spent the past four seasons with Oakland. Board, 52, had 45 career sacks with the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints from 1979 to 1988. The Rocky Mount, Va. native helped the 49ers win four Super Bowls.
Former Raiders linebackers coach Don Martindale hired as Denver Broncos linebackers coach, according to published reports Jan. 20, 2009. Martindale spent the past five seasons with Oakland.
Former Raiders defensive tackles coach Don Johnson named San Diego Chargers defensive line coach, the Chargers announced Jan. 20, 2009.
Washington played 15 seasons as a defensive back in the NFL, including nine seasons (1987-1994 & 1997) with the Raiders. He was an assistant defensive backs coach with the Packers the past 10 seasons.
Lionel Washington hired as Raiders defensive backs coach and Kelly Skipper named running backs coach, the Raiders announced Jan. 19, 2009. Washington, 48, replaces Darren Perry and Skipper, 41, takes over for Tom Rathman, hired by the 49ers. Skipper coached Oakland’s tight ends the past two seasons. Perry reportedly accepted a position as Green Bay Packers safeties coach.
John Fassel promoted to special teams coach, according to published reports Jan. 17, 2009. Fassel, 34, replaces Brian Schneider, hired by USC after spending the past two seasons with Oakland. Fassel joined the Raiders in 2008 after being with the Baltimore Ravens the previous three seasons.
Former Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan named to a similar position with the Cleveland Browns, the Browns announced Jan. 14, 2009. Ryan, 46, spent five seasons with the Raiders.
Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and running backs coach Tom Rathman accepted similar positions with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, according to published reports Jan. 7, 2008. Knapp, 45, and Rathman, 46, spent the past two seasons with Oakland. Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan reportedly is expected to take a similar position with the Cleveland Browns. Ryan, 46, has coached the past five seasons with the Raiders.
