3 former Raiders who should be Hall of Famers before Julian Edelman

Sep 27, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) jumps over Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) jumps over Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steve Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders
Raiders Steve Wisniewski.  Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /

Is Julian Edelman a Hall of Famer? That is not for us to decide, but one thing is for sure, these Raiders need to get in before he does.

This week, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman had his contract terminated by the franchise, ending an 11-year run that saw him win three Super Bowls, while also taking home the Super Bowl LIII’s Most Valuable Player award. For a player who played quarterback at Kent State, it was one of those careers that really came out of nowhere, as he developed an incredible bond with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

After his contract was terminated, the discussion quickly turned to whether or not he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Whether or not he gets in is one question, but one thing is for sure, these three Raiders need to be enshrined before he is.

Here are three Raiders who need to be in the Hall of Fame before Edelman.

No. 3: Steve Wisniewski

The Raiders may not have drafted Steve Wisniewski, but after a draft-day trade with the Dallas Cowboys, he would play his entire 13-year career in the Silver and Black. An absolute mauler for the franchise, Wisniewski established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the game and is one who should rightfully be in Canton.

An eight-time Pro Bowler, Wisniewski was an iron man for the Raiders, missing only two games during his long NFL career. Wisniewski started over 200 games for the franchise, and between 1989 through the 2001 NFL seasons, developed a reputation of playing hurt, with passion, and at a very high level.

All told, “Wiz” would be named a first-team All-Pro twice, and was honored as a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s. He has been a Hall of Fame finalist before, but it is time for him to take his place among the immortals, definitely before Edelman.