Oakland Raiders: 12 steps towards fixing the team’s biggest problems

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
4 of 13
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Bruce Irvin No. 51 and Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Bruce Irvin No. 51 and Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Release multiple veterans

The Raiders went out and signed a bunch of veterans this past offseason, and while some are on one-year contracts, some were signed for multiple years. The roster also has some holdovers from the 12-4 team, as well as last season’s six-win unit, so shedding some of these guys are crucial for the long-term success of the team.

Coming into 2018, Bruce Irvin was supposed to be the leader of the defense, but he sounded like anything but after the team’s loss to Seattle. He needs to go, as does guys like Seth Roberts, Donald Penn, and DeAndre Washington, as they are taking up roster spots for guys who can actually help this team moving forward.

Penn was a solid player for Oakland, and it is a shame that his career in the Silver and Black is ending this way. However, this team needs to bring in new blood next season, and the cap hit on these guys will not be as brutal as it would have been had they gotten their pink slip prior to next offseason.

Schedule