US PRESSWIRE

Kyle Boller started his football career earning the 1998 California State Player of the year award as a high school senior. In college he earned his spot as a starter for three and a half years at the University of California Berkeley. Boller was even drafted in the first round of the draft in 2003 (After Carson Palmer). These are just a few great accomplishments this quarterback achieved before entering the NFL and becoming another mediocre quarterback fighting for a chance to play this great game once again. Unfortunately for Boller his career was plagued by injury and interceptions. A career that has just recently come to an end.

Norv Turner told reporters Saturday that, “Boller no longer wishes to play football.” In my opinion this was a smart move on Boller’s part. Aside from the fact that he would have been forced to continue his career with wretched San Diego Chargers, Bollerhad lost the quarterback skill he once had. His one start in Oakland proved that much. Three interceptions and no touchdowns wouldn’t be acceptable from the scout team quarterback let alone the man entrusted with the leadership of a professional football team. Despite his sad times spent with Oakland I’m sure Mr. Davis would still say, “Once a Raider always a Raider.”

Besides who cant like a guy who would rather quit then play with the Chargers. At least he learned something from Carson Palmer.

Earlier this offseason another round of rumoring linking Owens to Oakland began when he popped up in a picture with Carson Palmer and a few other Raider receivers. Turns out T.O. was getting some work in with his one-time QB in Cincinnati.

Now that NFL teams have concluded their offseason programs some players are taking it upon themselves to stay ready for camp by organizing their own workouts.

Wouldn’t you know it, Palmer and Owens are again playing some catch as part of a group that includes Drew Brees and Kyle Boller.

While the delusional Owens might think he’s got a chance to be back in the league his odds are likely longer than those of Boller who stunk it up during his lone half of football played for the silver and black last season.

So let’s just go ahead and move on from this now. At this point nobody is biting on the Owens bait, not even with a ringing endorsement from Carson Palmer. Thankfully it looks like this could be the last flirtation Owes makes with the highest level of professional football.

Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Last week Reggie McKenzie practiced one of the finer skills of being a general manager – gamesmanship. After the Raiders concluded their final offseason workout until the start of camp McKenzie expressed his happiness with the Raiders roster as is, even going as far to say that more personnel moves would have to wait until next offseason.

Of course any reasonable member of Raider Nation would agree that more help is badly needed in certain areas. Yesterday I voiced my concerns over Oakland’s lack of depth. One such critical position where depth is no longer a luxury is running back. The Raiders are another Darren McFadden injury away from revisiting the realm of Kyle Boller. Well…maybe the situation isn’t that dire but there is no longer the Michael Bush safety net to catch the Raiders’ running game should Run DMC do what most he often does – succumb to freakish mishaps.

That’s why despite McKenzie’s praise it comes as no surprise to hear rumors of the Raiders being interested in the services of free agent Cedric Benson.

Now that the free agency period has cooled off like a sober sailor waking up next to Paz de la Huerta the Raiders and their lack of funds can begin to bargain shop. Benson is right in that wheelhouse!

After resurrecting a disappointing career with three-straight 1,000-yard seasons in Cincinnati the Bengals opted to part ways with Benson. While he was never a top tier free agent there was plenty of reason to believe Benson would get an offer from some team.

Unfortunately for Benson the ever-changing NFL no longer values running back like it once did. Even Michael Bush had to wait it out until his number was called and he was viewed as the top free agent at his position.

For the Raiders Benson could be just what they need, a veteran to relieve McFadden and step in should another injury occur. As it stands the Raiders are gambling on Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones to be the backup plan should McFadden falter. Perhaps neither or both of them will emerge but that’s all speculation. Benson, though no longer in his prime, is a proven commodity and that’s a trait McKenzie has to value no matter what he says publicly about his current roster.

So, what say you Raider Nation. Is signing Cedric Benson the right move to make?