Oakland Raiders: Offseason Winners and Losers

Nate Allen, S

Allen was signed last year to play next to the legendary Charles Woodson, a run-stopping hammer to compliment Woodson’s transcendent ball skills. But Allen had an injury history, and sure enough his knee blew out in the season opener against Cincinnati.

He only played in five games and was released on February 9^th, 2016 – only to be re-signed later to a lesser deal in what was clearly a cost-cutting move. Allen was happy to have another chance to come back and start for the Raiders – and he was penciled into that spot – until they drafted Joseph.

Now, with Nelson more talented and less of an injury risk, Carrie showing versatility in playing safety, Joseph’s presence on the roster and Allen’s penchant for injury and lack of skills in coverage, not only is Allen projected to lose his starting job to Joseph, but it’s likely he’s not even on the roster after 2016.

This team has suddenly become deep and talented, and some players that would’ve been roster locks and likely starters just two or three years ago won’t even be good enough to make the team.

So the real winner here is the Raider Nation.