Oakland Raiders adding Michael Sam makes sense for struggling team

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys practice squad player Michael Sam on the sidelines during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Will it Happen?

At the end of the day, Sam’s future remains cloudy. Will he keep trying to make the NFL despite the league continuing to close its doors to the prospect of letting him learn the ropes and develop both in the weight room as well as on the field going into the 2015 Preseason? Will he try to make the jump to the CFL where he would get close to a practice squad salary while getting starter’s snaps? Or will he fade into the background as a player who failed to become a successful and openly gay athlete in the NFL?

Only time will decide Michael Sam’s story and its ending, but for general manager Reggie McKenzie’s Oakland Raiders the opportunity to become apart of Sam’s story may be something they should consider pursuing in the midst of their 0-6 season. With no promising defensive ends in the system, it couldn’t hurt to give the man who led the SEC in sacks and tackles for a loss a chance to develop as they have been active in the waiver wire circuit all season. Maybe they don’t need Sam as a pass rusher today, but come 2015 that may be a different story altogether. With little risk other than drawing a short amount of attention from ESPN, the Raiders have an opportunity to get a 2014 Draft talent into their system as soon as right now. The question is if Reggie McKenzie is bold enough to make that decision.