Report: Sources hearing Lamarr Houston’s time in Oakland is done
By Chase Ruttig
Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) reacts during the game against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos won 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Black Monday is continuing for the Raider Nation as reports continue to pile about their two most important upcoming free agents, left tackle Jared Veldheer and defensive end Jared Veldheer likely heading off to other destinations when the NFL Free Agency period officially opens on Tuesday afternoon.
It was reported Sunday night/Monday morning that it was expected that the Arizona Cardinals were to sign Veldheer away from Oakland and after a day with not much action surrounding Lamarr Houston it is expected that with Michael Bennett out of free agency that Houston will be attracting many targets as one of the best pass rushers available come tomorrow. Something that doesn’t bode well for his chances of staying a Raider.
Chicago remains a top target, being reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport as “heavily pursuing” Houston something that likely led to CBS’ Jason La Canfora reporting that he is hearing that Houston is likely “done” in Oakland.
Source: #Bears are now targeting #Raiders star defensive end Lamarr Houston after missing out on Michael Bennett. They are pushing hard
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2014
Continues to sound like LaMarr Houston's time with the Raiders is done. Plenty of outside interest in him ...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2014
With Hardy franchised, Griffen and Bennett re-signed, Johnson headed to Tampa, L. Houston well positioned as a young DE still available
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2014
Bennett leaving the market along with Everson Griffen to resign with their teams has elevated the market on Houston and after not getting an initial over the market offer from the Raiders it appears that Houston is fine with searching for other offers on teams with a higher chance of winning. With Bennett staying in Seattle on the cheap front offices will be in a scramble to get whatever chance at a starting pass rusher they can get, something that may play into the hands of Houston and agent Drew Rosenhaus come tomorrow. If Houston does leave it will likely cause a panic in Raider Nation as their large salary cap freedom has so far resulted in little free agency impact when it comes to retaining talent that the fans feel is essential to the team remaining competitive.