oakland Raiders franchise tag Kamerion Wimbley

The Oakland Raiders used the franchise tag Thursday to keep linebacker Kamerion Wimbley under contract for the 2012 season.

The Oakland Raiders also reached a long-term deal with cornerback Stanford Routt and an agreement with defensive tackle John Henderson on a two-year, $8 million contract, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Raiders originally hoped to use a $3.5 million buyback option to keep Wimbley under contract for next season for just over $4 million.

But Wimbley’s agent, Joe Linta, said the NFL determined that deal violated rules prohibiting base salaries rising more than 30 percent in a year. That led to the Raiders decision to use the franchise tag, which is projected to be worth about $10 million.

“Kamerion is a great young talent and he and the Raiders are excited about him continuing his career as a member of the Silver and Black,” coach Hue Jackson said.

Kamerion Wimbley led Oakland with nine sacks last season after coming over from Cleveland in a trade for a third-round pick. Keeping him was a key priority this offseason for owner Al Davis.

“We look forward to working with Mr. Davis on a long-term deal,” Linta said.

Among the other key potential free agents for Oakland are tight end Zach Miller, running back Michael Bush, safety Michael Huff, and offensive lineman Robert Gallery.

The Oakland Raiders also re-signed running back and key special teams contributor Rock Cartwright before he could become a free agent.

Oakland Raiders mourn passing of Dr. Robert Albo

The Oakland Raiders issued a statement in memory of Dr. Robert Albo, who has passed away.

Albo was a veteran Oakland surgeon who performed procedures for the Raiders as well as the Golden State Warriors.

Here’s the statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Robert Albo. The Oakland Raiders have always admired his Commitment to Excellence that he constantly demonstrated in the art of medicine. His dedication to those who came in touch with him was outstanding and we recognize his great life.

“The fire that burns brightest in Bob Albo was his relentless effort to bring the values and virtues that are the American way of life to those around him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Marge and the family.”

Oakland Raiders signed Richard Seymour

The Oakland Raiders allegedly signed Richard Seymour off the free-agent market once a new collective bargaining agreement goes into effect.  Seymour and the Raiders agreed to a two-year contract, potentially worth $30 million and containing $22.5 million guaranteed, SI.com reported Wednesday.

Oakland Raiders hired Hall of Famer Rod Woodson as asst

ALAMEDA, Calif.  The Oakland Raiders added a Hall of Famer to their coaching staff, hiring Rod Woodson on Monday as an assistant to coach the team’s cornerbacks.

Rod Woodson was one of the most accomplished defensive backs ever to play the game and was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. Woodson  played the final two of his 17 seasons with the Raiders, helping the team win the 2002 AFC championship.

“It’s an honor to be back with the Raiders and be able to talk to Raider players about true football,” Woodson said. “I’m looking forward to working with the organization and the challenges of the 2011 season.”

Woodson had recently served as a television analyst at the NFL Network and Big Ten Network but decided to get into coaching.

Woodson spent the bulk of his playing career with Pittsburgh, starring for 10 seasons on the Steelers. He was named AP Defensive Player of the Year for Pittsburgh in 1993 and helped the Steelers reach the Super Bowl following the 1995 season.

He also spent one season with the San Francisco 49ers and four with Baltimore, winning the Super Bowl with the Ravens following the 2000 season.

Woodson was named to 11 Pro Bowls, the 1990s all-decade team and was named a first-team All-Pro six times as either a cornerback, safety or kick returner.

“I’m excited that we have a Hall of Fame player who is coming back to the organization,” coach Hue Jackson said. “I was extremely impressed during the interview process with his communication skills and I’m looking forward to Rod imparting his wealth of knowledge to our players.”

Woodson’s 71 career interceptions rank third all-time in NFL history. He is the career leader in interception returns for touchdowns (12), and interception return yardage (1,483).

Woodson will work in the secondary with Kevin Ross, who is coaching the safeties. The Raiders still have not announced who their defensive coordinator will be next season. Chuck Bresnahan, who was defensive coordinator when Woodson played in Oakland, is on staff as a defensive assistant and is a likely candidate.

Oakland Raiders promote Greg Biekert to linebackers coach

The  Raiders have promoted Greg Biekert from defensive assistant to linebackers coach.

Greg Biekert joined the coaching staff last year as a defensive assistant. He played linebacker for 11 years in the NFL, including nine with the Oakland Raiders.

Head coach Hue Jackson says Biekert’s vision as a coach is in line with his own.  Coach Jackson still must fill the role of defensive coordinator.  Coach Chuck Bresnahan was recently hired as a defensive coach and could be a candidate for that role.

Raiders hire former Oakland Raider Steve Wisniewski as assistant OL coach

Last year Steve Wisniewski was the strength and conditioning intern at Stanford last season, helping the Cardinal win a school-record 12 games and finish fourth in the final rankings beating Virigina Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Wisniewski was an intense player for the Oakland Raiders.  He made the Pro Bowl eight times in thirteen seasons with the Raiders.  Wisniewski retiring after the 2001 season.

Myraidernation is very happy about this guy being on the coaching staff.

 

Raiders hire Bob Wylie to the coaching staff

Last year Wylie spent last season sharing offensive line coaching duties for the Denver Broncos.  Before that he spent the last three season with Canadian Football League.  In 2009 with Saskatchewan and Winnipeg before that.

Myraidernation feel the Oakland Raiders are signing second tier coaches on their staff.  I believe and think nobody in the NFL wants to work for Al Davis.

Myraidernation hopes Wylie can motivate this offensive line to greatness!!!!!

Raiders hire Chuck Bresnehan

By Myraidernation

The Oakland Raiders have hired Chuck Bresnehan as a defensive coach.

Coach Bresnahan coached the Raiders defensive backs back in 1998 and 1999, then became defensive coordinator for from 2000 to 2003. The Raiders won three straight AFC Western Division titles and played in Super Bowl XXXVII with Bresnahan as defensive coordinator.  Good Luck Coach!!!