Oakland Raiders: Free Agency Checklist

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) dives to tackle Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) dives to tackle Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates a sack as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lays injured on the ground during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates a sack as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lays injured on the ground during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Aldon Smith

I am placing Aldon in his own category for many reasons, all of which I have laid out in other sections. To me, signing Aldon Smith long term is an absolute necessity. Even if he is one strike from being out of the league forever and knowing he will miss about half of the season, it is critical to show Aldon that his future is in Oakland.

This is a man who is working hard to change his life and in part is doing so because the Raiders gave him a chance and support. Continuing that support is critical. This signing likely cannot occur until he is reinstated which means midseason, so the Raiders will have to anticipate the midseason cap balloon. The following is the contract structure I would offer:

Year one: 1 million base, 500k bonus per week on active roster, 500k bonus per sack.
Years two through six: 5 million base all guaranteed if on roster March 1, 7 million dollars in attainable incentives. Contract would also contain void language year 4.

Schedule