Oakland Raiders: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time

Rich Gannon, Oakland Raiders. (Photo By Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)
Rich Gannon, Oakland Raiders. (Photo By Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images) /
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Tyrone Wheatley, Oakland Raiders
Tyrone Wheatley, Oakland Raiders. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

28. . RB. (1999-04). Tyrone Wheatley. 11. player

Another member of the early 2000s success, Tyrone Wheatley is one of the many great running backs to have donned the prestigious Silver and Black. A first-round pick of the New York Giants, Wheatley spent the first four seasons of his career in the Big Apple.

Luckily for the Raiders, Wheatley was cut by the Miami Dolphins following training camp. Due to an injury to Zack Crockett, the Raiders needed another powerful rusher to pair with Napoleon Kaufman.

Wheatley was a perfect fit in Oakland and very quickly became a fan favorite. He developed a good relationship with Jon Gruden as well, improving his position within the team. Over the next six seasons, the veteran running back would enjoy a lot of success.

Adept at both rushing and catching the ball out of the backfield, Wheatley opened up a lot of possibilities for the Raider offense. During his stay in Oakland, the Raiders made the playoffs three consecutive seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl which resulted in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by former Raiders coach Gruden.

Over six seasons, Wheatley rushed for 3,682 yards and 32 touchdowns, good enough for eighth all-time in Raiders history.

Undeniably, Wheatley is one of the best free agent signings the Raiders have ever made. He helped carry them to their most recent playoff success and Super Bowl appearance after largely striking out in New York. Wheatley is now the head coach of Morgan State, further proving how great of a football mind he is.