Oakland Raiders: Recapping the 2018 offseason
By Brad Weiss
Out with the old, in with the new (Free Agency)
The Raiders were very busy in free agency, as they tried to really revamp the roster this offseason. Some veteran faces are gone from last year’s team, and in their place, the Raiders brought in some players who are really going to help them in 2018.
Additions
Oakland signed a ton of free agents this offseason, including guys like WR Jordy Nelson, CB Rashaan Melvin, and LBs Derrick Johnson and Tahir Whitehead to name a few. All three of those men will be crucial in this team getting back to the top of the AFC West, and the expectation is they can make a couple weak position groups a strength this season.
In addition, RB Doug Martin, S Marcus Gilchrist, FB Keith Smith, and LB Kyle Wilbur will also be key to the team’s success this season, and all four have looked very good in practices so far. Oakland also brought in T Breno Giacomini, TE Derek Carrier, LB Emmanuel Lamur, DE Tank Carradine, WR/RT Griff Whalen, CB Shareece Wright, and LS Andrew DePaola, giving this roster a completely new feel in 2018.
Subtractions
The Raiders released two of their starting cornerbacks this offseason, saying goodbye to both Sean Smith and David Amerson. Amerson signed on with the Kansas City Chiefs, while Smith will be heading to jail. In addition, Aldon Smith was released by the team, as his off the field issues are still very prevalent in his life.
Two other big players to leave the Raiders this offseason were Michael Crabtree and Marquette King, who were not unemployed long. Crabtree will be catching passes from Joe Flacco this Fall, while King will be punting for the hated Denver Broncos.