Stanford Routt, Kamerion Wimbley, Kevin Boss and even Hiram Eugene were all victims of the benevolent dealings done by Al Davis. So too were Michael Bush and Jason Campbell among others who were either shown the exit or just weren’t welcomed back.

Despite all the salary shaving, the silver and black are still just barely avoiding the red. McKenzie’s first foray into free agency was more like a collegiate shopping spree at the local Vons. There was plenty in the cart at checkout but most of the items that made their way to the checker were of the Top Ramen variety.

Even with the cost conscious approach McKenzie’s franchise is another year away from being in a better place financially. That’s why there are still two unsigned draft picks despite the fact that Oakland wasn’t on the clock until the end of the third round. It’s also why there has yet to be any movement on the Cedric Benson front.

There has been some rumoring that the Raiders were considering bringing in Benson for the upcoming camp in hopes of finding a productive vet to backup Darren McFadden. While the inactivity in the pursuit of Benson could be more closely related to other issues the financial constraints can’t be ignored.

That top pick Tony Bergstrom, the man whose name wasn’t called until the 95^th pick, is still unsigned says it all. Juron Criner, the 168^th choice in 2012 and a standout in OTAs, is also waiting to put his name on a pro contract.

Now the Raiders aren’t flat broke. They’ll get their remaining unsigned rookies inked before camp commences. However they’re not exactly in a position to sign Bergstrom, Criner and Benson with enough cash leftover to address other needs that will surely arise as the season nears.

So for the time being it’s more Ramen dinners followed by coupon cutting with a big glass of water for dessert. Until McKenzie can rid his team of more costly contracts its more of the frugal approach.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

It’s almost impossible to say anything negative about Brandon Myers. As a sixth round pick out of Iowa Myers is a made man in the NFL. He arrived as a blocking tight end but has shown some receiving skills. Not the kind of skills that will make him the next Zach Miller but he’s solid enough to be in the mix for the starting gig in 2012.

2011 was by far the most productive season of his thus far three year pro career. Of Myers’ 32 career receptions 16 came last year as he started 7 contests while appearing in all 16 games.

Of course Myers is still looking for his first career touchdown in the NFL but he’s certainly had a hand in setting up a few big ones.

The most memorable moments for Myers as a Raider have occurred on special teams. As a rookie he came up with a clutch strip and fumble recovery to help the Raiders in a thrilling victory over the Bengals. Then in his second season he topped himself by blocking a punt against the Chargers that allowed Hiram Eugene to walk into the end zone as Oakland recaptured the ownership of the Chargers. Last season Myers pulled off the same feat by causing a fumble in Minnesota.

While he’s been a quality pro willing to do whatever is asked now is the time for Myers to step out of the role player model and into that of a legit starter. Odds are he’s not going to get many opportunities like this season. Thanks to Reggie McKenzie’s cap cleansing the tight end job is wide open what with Kevin Boss being shown the exit.

About the only somewhat negative comment I’ve ever had to say about Myers is that he loses focus. For whatever reason he seems to make incredible catches every year in the preseason yet seems to drop some easily catchable balls when it counts during the regular season. Maybe he’s just putting too much pressure on himself. Of course now he can’t afford to relax. Not with the chance of a lifetime staring him in the face.

Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

When his playing days are over Matt Giordano will have a very successful career as a motivational speaker. Not that Giordano is skilled at public speaking. More so because his career journeys will serve as inspiration for anyone who listens.

2011 saw Giordano’s career come full circle as the Fresno native and Berkeley alum found his way back to the Bay where he had a completely unexpected career year for the Raiders.

Initially Giordano was brought in as a camp body. He was supposed to be someone who would give the coaches a few more options and possibly push the players ahead of him on the depth while helping fill the loss of Hiram Eugene on special teams. Giordano had much different plans. His preseason play earned him a spot on the 53-man and when Michael Huff was out with injury Giordano stepped in and made an immediate impact on opening night in Denver.

The career journeyman found action in 15 games, starting 9 while leading the Raiders with 5 interceptions and an astounding 130 return yards. And his 2011 performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only did the Raiders desperately need help in the secondary, Giordano was in danger of spiraling into a football odyssey that usually ends with no job offers and no more opportunities.

Once upon a time Giordano was a 4^th round pick of the Colts where he played sparingly for four years earning himself a Super Bowl ring before being cast off and playing for three teams in three years. Well, his 2011 performance secured Giordano work in 2012 as the Raiders opted to re-sign him. No doubt he’ll have to prove himself again but I wouldn’t bet against Giordano making the roster once again and working his way onto the field as an occasional starter as well. Giordano is by no means the answer but he’s not the problem either. Got to give him credit for getting the most of his talents and always being prepared to play.