On the block

I'm going to start this with a plea to/directive for Al Davis.

Don't do it.

Do not trade Michael Bush. Given a good offensive line and an offense that is less predictable, Bush could be a very nice 1b to McFadden's 1a. He's got the body of an every down back and showed what he can do when given carries, in the last game of the season against Tampa Bay. He's seems to be more durable than Fargas and is younger. Right now, we should be able to keep him on the cheap (relatively speaking, of course). So, unless we can get a proven veteran #1 wide receiver and some early round draft picks, he has to stay. Remember, this kid gives us options on offense, too. He played quarterback his senior year of high school and was being recruited heavily by Ohio State to play quarterback, until he chose Louisville.

I've also been reading that Andrew Walter may be on the trading block. That's not a bad thing, necessarily. There are a few teams out there that will need a decent back up (e.g. Dallas, Houston and Minnesota). His low salary makes him attractive for other teams, too. However, if his salary is low and he knows the offense, the Raiders might as well just keep him, unless an earth shattering offer comes along. Whatever shortcomings he's had can mostly (not all, but mostly) be attributed to the Pop Warner offensive line and offensive scheme that he played behind under Art Shell.

Last night, the Raiders also re-signed Isaiah Ekejiuba. Big re-signing for the special teams group. This is the Raiders' first real transaction of the free agency period and it's definitely not what we've come to expect from the organization in free agency, based on the past couple years. This is a good signing, though. It keeps a big piece of the core of the special teams in tact.

One thing that the Raiders now can see is what the rest of the AFC West is doing in free agency. The Chiefs and the Broncos are out to spend. With new head coaches in place, they've gone out and made moves to get the players that their respective head coaches wnat or need. Kansas City picked up Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel. Denver's been very active, picking up Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Andre' Davis and Darrell Reid. Denver also picked up a few running backs (but who's suprised by that?????). The Raiders can now take a look at where they stand in light of what was done within the division. They are only about $6 million under the salary cap, but I think the Raiders will begin to move as early as tomorrow (Monday). Obviously, Kansas City doesn't want to go 2-14 again and Denver is still stinging from that epic collapse that cost them the playoffs, so they're doing all they can to get better as quick as possible. Now it's time for the Raiders to move and move smartly.

I'm back and luckily Kwame Harris will not be

Lechler re-signed......check.

Chris Johnson re-signed......check.

Qualifying offers made to Ricky Brown, Jon Condo, Jon Alston and Hiram Eugene......check.

(The above 4 guys are huge for Special Teams.)

Kwame Harris cut......check. (FINALLY!!!!)

Griffith cut......check. (Which is ok, because the team has options with Oren O'Neal and Louis Rankin and both are cheaper than Griffith.)

Asomugha re-signed......check.

Let's discuss Nnamdi's deal for just a second. Three years at $15 million per year, with the first two years being fully guaranteed at $28.5 million and the third year possibly being fully guaranteed. That's a very hefty contract. Enormous for a DB. However, this is a smart signing by the Raiders and one that needed to happen. Even as a fan, I can be honest......it's not like players of Asomugha's caliber (at any position) are chomping at the bit to get out to Oakland to play. If we want talent, we have to pay for it. Nnamdi's currently the best corner in the league. The Raiders needed to keep him to show the league and their fans that they're not messing around when they tell them that the Raiders will be back.

Second, there was some grumblings about the Asomugha deal around the league. Owners and GMs saying that his deal is bad for the league and will be a stepping stone to destroying the league and on and on. Really. Since when did the other NFL owners become Socialists? The NFL is a league that runs on the river of money that pulls from the fans' wallets from coast to coast. The league is a cash cow. TV deals, advertising, merchandise contracts, marketing deals, etc; all in the name of money. I don't want to hear any team executive complaining about high priced contracts ruining the league. This is a league in which money greases the wheels that make it move. To hear an owner or GM complain about money is ludicrous. Those with the money win and those who spend wisely win.

Now that free agency is a few days in, the Raiders have been uncharacteristically quiet. I think after last year's free agency spending spree, I think Al has learned that you can't build teams through free agency. Building franchises is done through smart drafting, player and coach loyalty and winning. Free agency is a means to fill gaps, plug holes. This change in mindset when it comes to players and contracts, will be a great thing for the organization. Chris Johnson and Ricky Brown resigned because they wanted to be part of the team. It's time those guys, Asomugha, Russell, McFadden, Burgess, and the Linebacking core begin to lead this team as it should be led.

This is going to mean making the right move when it comes to Javon Walker. Cut him. I know the economic implications of the situation and that the team doesn't save that much money if they cut him. He's due a $5 million roster bonus on March 5th, though. He doesn't deserve that. He's been a cancer everywhere he's been in his career and 1.5 good seasons over a nine year career does not justify what he is making. This move needs to be made in the best interest of the team and organization.

If Al is worried about not having a veteran wide receiver, go get TJ Houshmandzadeh. I've seen him play a lot during his NFL career and he's a good receiver that wants to win. A good leader, a tough player and a receiver that can go over the middle and give Russell a big, sure-handed target, while Higgins stretches the field. If the money is right, there's no reason not to make a play for Houshmandzadeh. And, no......bringing back Jerry Porter is not the answer.