Raiders Trade Rumors

NOW wants Raiders coach Tom Cable suspended
Comment
November 6
Contra Costa Times
 
"The National Organization for Women is calling for coach Tom Cable's suspension while the Raiders and the NFL investigate allegations that Cable physically abused his first wife more than 20 years ago and abused a former girlfriend in January. NOW president Terry O'Neill sent the request to USA Today. "Tom Cable's history of violence against women raises a question: Why is he still the head coach of an NFL team?" O'Neill's statement said in part. "Mr. Cable admits having battered his first wife, and he stands accused of battering two other intimate partners as well ... "The Oakland Raiders, properly, say they are undergoing a 'serious evaluation' of these recent allegations. At the very ..."
Team to investigate allegations against Cable
Comment
November 3
Oakland Tribune
 
"The Raiders said Monday they will conduct "a serious evaluation" of the allegations against coach Tom Cable and that they have fired previous employees for inappropriate conduct. An ESPN story Sunday outlined Cable's alleged physical abuse of women from past relationships. The team issued two statements less than two hours after Cable's weekly news conference. Said the first: "Over the last few days, we learned of the allegations made against coach Cable, and we are, of course, aware of his response thereto. In conjunction with the league office, we will undertake a serious evaluation of this matter. We wish to be clear that we do not in any way condone or accept actions such as those ..."
ESPN uncovers more assault allegations
Comment
November 2
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Two women said Raiders coach Tom Cable assaulted them multiple times in previous relationships, and Cable conceded he once hit a woman more than 20 years ago. An ex-wife and ex-girlfriend made their abuse claims to ESPN's "Outside the Lines," which aired Sunday before the Raiders played the Chargers. The allegations come 10 days after the Napa district attorney's office decided not to charge Cable with assaulting assistant Randy Hanson, who told police that Cable broke his jaw in an August training-camp altercation. Sandy Cable said her first husband hit her in the jaw in 1988. She obtained a restraining order and filed for divorce, according to the ESPN report. Tom Cable issued a ..."
Schilens' return may be delayed
Comment
October 24
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Stop the news releases! Maybe Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens isn't as back as the team announced this week he would be. Schilens could not finish practice Friday because of soreness in his left foot. He is now listed as questionable to make his season debut Sunday against the Jets, more than 10 weeks since foot surgery. "It's really more soreness than anything else," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "So we shut him down to not push it too far.""
Cable Won't Be Charged, but Could Face Discipline
Comment
October 23
New York Times
 
"Even by the standards of the Oakland Raiders, the accusation that Coach Tom Cable had broken the jaw of an assistant coach during training camp was bizarre. On Thursday, the Napa County district attorney announced that after a two-month investigation, Cable would not be charged. Cable is not completely in the clear. The N.F.L. announced Thursday night that it would review the district attorney's decision and the surrounding investigation and then decide if Cable would face discipline under the league's personal conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a hard line against players who have violated the policy, and last week Goodell left open the possibility of disciplining Cable ..."
More details of Tom Cable flap ready to come to light?
Comment
October 19
Contra Costa Times
 
"CBS analyst Charley Casserly said Sunday that Raiders defensive assistant Randy Hanson is scheduled to meet with Napa Valley authorities this week for the second time in regard to allegation that he was assaulted by Raiders coach Tom Cable on Aug. 5. "I talked to Randy Hanson this past week, and he told me he's sticking to his story that Tom Cable punched him and said he was going to kill him," Casserly said Sunday. "We're not making light of that." Casserly added that defensive backs coaches Willie Brown and Lionel Washington, as well as defensive coordinator John Marshall, have not corroborated Hanson's claim that he was attacked by Cable during a coaches meeting in Napa, as reported by ..."
Walker doesn't oppose idea of team trading him
Comment
October 16
Sacramento Bee
 
"Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker says he is open to being traded, if that's what the team feels is in its best interests. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon. Raiders coach Tom Cable said the team is exploring possibilities but that nothing is imminent. Walker has been inactive for four of five games this season. He played four snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 20, but no passes were thrown his way. The Raiders signed Walker to a massive free-agent contract before last season. He received $12 million in signing bonus and base salary for 2008, but his season was cut short by an ankle injury in the ninth game. Walker agreed to a restructured contract in the offseason ..."
Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has no interest in trading Josh Cribbs
Comment
October 16
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Eric Mangini said Friday he has "no interest in moving Josh Cribbs." In response, Cribbs' agent J.R. Rickert said, "It is unfair for the Browns to hold Joshua back. They should either give him an extension or allow another team to acquire him. Their current position of doing nothing is no longer fair or appropriate.'' Rickert made it clear that he and Cribbs want the extension -- or a chance to go somewhere else. A source told the Plain Dealer on Thursday that Cribbs would welcome a trade if they won't re-do the deal, which runs through 2012. At least five teams have expressed interest in trading for Cribbs, including Miami, Oakland, Jacksonville and San Francisco, according ..."
Browns' Josh Cribbs reportedly would like trade if new deal can't be reached
Comment
October 16
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs wants to remain a Brown for the rest of his career, but if the team is unwilling to extend his contract, he'd welcome trade, a source close to the situation said. Cribbs, who signed a six-year extension in 2007 worth $6.77 million, is under contract through 2012. He has made it clear since the off-season that he wants a new deal in the form of a contract extension. In fact, he considered holding out at the beginning of the season. The Browns are believed to be unwilling to trade Cribbs before Tuesday's deadline, a source said. They prefer to hang onto him and perhaps work out a deal in the future. Cribbs is the prototypical player for coach Eric Mangini, one who ..."
Vick: No Oakland ill will
Comment
October 15
Contra Costa Times
 
"Former NFL coach Tony Dungy said earlier this month that he advised Michael Vick against signing with the Raiders once the quarterback was released from prison and reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell. On Wednesday, Vick addressed Dungy's remarks and clarified the issue. "When I got released from prison, I didn't care where I would have played," Vick told Philadelphia media. "Coach Dungy wanted me to be in a place where I was going to be protected, and I just wouldn't have a lot of pressure on me. That's what he meant." For the record, the Raiders never showed any interest in Vick, who eventually signed with the Eagles. Coach Tom Cable said he and the Raiders were content with their ..."
Cable issue is at hand
Comment
October 14
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Cam Inman
"GUILTY OR INNOCENT? That is the biggest question looming over coach Tom Cable and another troubling Raiders season. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell's development — or lack thereof — is becoming a sorry backdrop to the curious case of Cable. Publicly accused last weekend by assistant Randy Hanson of breaking Hanson's jaw in a training-camp rumble, Cable remains remarkably steadfast that he is going to beat this. "I know the truth and I trust in the system, the process," Cable said Monday. "I just know that what's supposed to happen will happen." Listen to that confidence. He oozes more there than he does with his bust-bound quarterback, matador linemen, grease-fingered receivers and overall ..."
What is the future of Cable? Tune in daily to watch
Comment
October 8
Sacramento Bee
 
"The Silver and Black-topped circus is back for its annual run. Tom Cable is about to be led off the premises in handcuffs at any moment. JaMarcus Russell is blowing off team meetings and can be found getting his grub on at area greasy spoon HegenBurgers. Former quarterbacks Rich Gannon and Jeff Garcia are taking hurtful, albeit truthful shots at the franchise. Javon Walker is getting a taste of the Marcus Allen Doghouse Treatment. Cable's play-calling has come under question by his own players, and the offensive line, Cable's heart and soul, is battered, bruised and leaky. The Raiders are sitting at 1-3, staring at 1-7. Other that that, all is well in Raiderland as Oakland prepares for ..."
McFadden out for up to a month
Comment
October 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"As if things weren't already bad enough for the Raiders' offense, the team announced Monday that running back Darren McFadden will have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his knee today and will miss 2-4 weeks. The 2008 No. 4 overall pick and potentially the most dynamic player on the Raiders' feeble offense was injured in the second quarter of Sunday's 29-6 loss at Houston. On a sweep left, Glover Quin upended McFadden in the backfield, ending his career-worst game with six carries for minus-3 yards. McFadden's injury, coupled with the loss of right tackle Cornell Green for 2-4 weeks with a strained calf, compounds the Raiders' problems on offense as they start a four-game stretch ..."
Raiders assistant coach tells police Cable broke his jaw
Comment
September 29
Oakland Tribune
 
"Raiders defensive assistant Randy Hanson told Napa police that coach Tom Cable struck him and broke his jaw in an incident during training camp, according to an NFL.com story. Hanson's lawyer, John McGuinn, reportedly said Hanson was interviewed by detective Mike Walund for 90 minutes or so Friday and turned over medical records pertaining to the case, which also is being investigated by the NFL. McGuinn called the case "a textbook case of felony assault," according to the NFL.com report. He did not return a phone call from Bay Area News Group on Monday. Hanson first spoke with Napa police Aug. 6, the day he was treated at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa for a jaw injury sustained ..."
Eagles re-sign QB Jeff Garcia
Comment
September 15
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Initially it seemed odd when the Eagles signed Matt Nagy, one of their intern coaches, for a half day while at Lehigh University. Turns out that little quarterback maneuver couldn't compete with the stranger-than-fiction tales that have followed. The latest chapter unfolded yesterday when the Eagles re-signed Jeff Garcia to a one-year deal to give themselves some insurance while starter Donovan McNabb recovers from the fractured rib he suffered in the third quarter of Sunday's game at Carolina. Garcia, when he arrives for practice tomorrow at the NovaCare Complex, will be the seventh quarterback to pull on an Eagles uniform since the start of training camp. He's aware that his Philadelphia ..."
Union files grievance for Seymour
Comment
September 12
Boston Globe
 
"The Richard Seymour saga has a new twist. The NFL Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Seymour yesterday, according to a source familiar with the union's thinking. The grievance claims that the Oakland Raiders were not within their rights to send him a "five-day letter,'' which noted he could be suspended for the season if he doesn't report to the team by Tuesday. The grievance calls for an expedited hearing, so a decision can be made before Tuesday's deadline."
Report: Raiders' coach Cable punched assistant Hanson
Comment
August 18
Oakland Tribune
 
"Raiders coach Tom Cable reportedly punched assistant coach Randy Hanson earlier this month, sending Hanson to a Napa hospital to receive treatment, according to sources cited by AOL Fanhouse. The National Football Post first reported the story this morning, saying the altercation occurred Aug. 5, according to a police report. Napa Police Lt. Brian McGovern told the Web site that he isn't permitted to reveal the identity of the injured person. "It's an internal matter, and will be handled as such," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said. Cable has not mentioned the incident in any of his news conferences. Two team officials confirmed that Hanson was not at practice Sunday. The website ..."
Saints joined in pursuit of Brooks
Comment
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The Saints apparently are not the only team interested in veteran free agent linebacker Derrick Brooks, who is trying to get back in the NFL after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February. The Oakland Raiders reportedly flew the 11-time Pro Bowl player out for a visit and workout Friday, two days after Brooks left New Orleans without a contract offer from Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis and Saints Coach Sean Payton are expected to make a decision this weekend with regard to Brooks and free agent linebacker Derek Smith, both of whom worked out for the team Wednesday morning. Loomis said a decision on either player may or may not be forthcoming, indicating the ..."
Report: Raiders sign ex-Cowboy Greg Ellis
Comment
June 15
Oakland Tribune
 
"Defensive end Greg Ellis could be the most recent veteran leader to be added to a youthful Raiders roster, according to AOL's NFL Fanhouse.Ellis, who spent 11 years with the Dallas Cowboys, is a respected veteran who fits in with the signings of Jeff Garcia and Lorenzo Neal, someone who hopefully not only has something left to offer as a pass rusher but as a leader in a unit which could use that type of presence.It remains to be seen whether Ellis has anything left or if he's another Greg Spires, who came to the Raiders in similar circumstances last season but failed to make the 53-man roster."
Is IR system in line for a change?
Comment
May 21
Boston Globe
 
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Raider seen as nice fit
Comment
May 20
Boston Globe
 
"Even as a two-time Pro Bowler, Derrick Burgess is not a familiar name to Patriots followers. But those familiar with the Oakland Raiders defensive end, whom the Patriots have explored acquiring in a trade, say he'd improve them. "He's one of the premier pass rushers I've seen," said former teammate Warren Sapp, now an analyst with the NFL Network. "He loves to work at his craft. He loves to come in the weight room. "I've stood in front of the defensive line and led through every drill my whole life, but I opened the door for him. I said, 'You work just like I work.' I gave him my front. That's the kind of respect I have for him." According to league sources, the Patriots discussed a deal ..."
Derrick Burgess deal no rush job
Comment
May 20
Boston Herald
 
"The Patriots interest in Derrick Burgess dates back four weeks, as the team contacted Oakland during the NFL draft, when the Raiders made no secret of the fact they were shopping the defensive end, according to a source familiar with the proceedings. Exploratory conversations have continued, but it doesn't appear anything is imminent, although with Oakland owner Al Davis, anything is possible. It has been reported the Pats would be willing to send a second- or third-round draft pick to the Raiders in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowler, who would be moved to a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the Pats' 3-4 scheme. Burgess, who is in the final year of his contract, has had injury ..."
Reports: Pats interested in acquiring Oakland's Burgess
Comment
May 19
Boston Herald
 
"According to a report first on ESPN, and later corroborated by WEEI's Christopher Price, the Patriots are considering a trade that would send a second-or-third-round draft pick to Oakland for Raiders linebacker Derrick Burgess. The acquisition of Burgess would finally help fill the void at outside linebacker created by the trade of Mike Vrabel. The two-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his contract with Oakland. He is said to be unhappy with not being able to reach a new deal. Burgess, who will be 31 at the start of next season, had 16 sacks for the Raiders in 2005, but he's been slowed by injuries in recent seasons. Last week, Pats Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio said the ..."
Cable says Raiders would consider trading down
Comment
April 25
Oakland Tribune
 
"Forty-Niners general manager Scot McCloughan said Wednesday that seven of the teams with picks in the top 10 of today's NFL draft are interested in trading down. McCloughan volunteered the eye-popping figure without naming any of the teams, but Raiders coach Tom Cable said in his predraft news conference last week that the Raiders would be open to making such a move if it gives them a better chance at improving their roster. Cable said the Raiders might buck managing general partner Al Davis' long-held philosophy of holding on to his first-round picks because of "what's in the draft this year "... and the types of players that are there, where the strength of the draft is, all that. You ..."
Little-known receiver said to be Raiders' pick
Comment
April 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"He's the fastest wide receiver on the Raiders' watch list, and no, his name is not Jeremy Maclin of Missouri. He's one of the bigger receivers on their draft board, but no, we're not talking about Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech. Try Darrius Heyward-Bey, the Maryland receiver who is suddenly everyone's favorite for the Raiders towith the No. 7 overall pick of today's NFL draft. Heyward-Bey, as in the guy most draft experts rate as the fourth- or fifth-best wide receiver in this year's class. Huh? Hand this much to the Raiders: If their pre-draft goal was to keep everyone guessing whom they would pick, a round of back-patting is in order at team headquarters. Everyone knows they need a No. ..."
Gruden's draft view
Comment
April 22
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"From four seasons of experience, Jon Gruden knows the Raiders keep their cards pressed tightly against their chests when it comes to the NFL draft. "It's a secretive place because Al (Davis) makes the call," Gruden said Tuesday. "You have a group of scouts who have worked there forever, but, ultimately, Al makes the call. The great thing is (the Raiders) aren't afraid to take chances. I've always admired that about him." The former Raiders coach (1998-2001) works as an analyst for the NFL Network since being fired by the Buccaneers after last season. He and network colleague Steve Mari- ucci, the ex-49ers coach, chewed over this weekend's draft in a conference call. Gruden thinks the ..."
Might Madden be on Davis' mind?
Comment
April 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders owner Al Davis once vowed to hire someone with local ties to help run the football side of things, someone with a recognizable name in these parts. Maybe that mystery hire will be John Madden, now that the former Raiders coach is leaving the television broadcast booth. Madden announced his retirement Thursday morning. Already, the conjecture about his possible return to the Black Hole has begun. He coached the Raiders from 1967-78, going 112-39-7 with one Super Bowl victory and no losing seasons. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, he remains close to Davis and keeps his home in the East Bay. Davis opened the door to Madden's return in August 2007. He was ..."
Lions talk with receiver Ronald Curry
Comment
April 15
Detroit News
 
"The Lions already have nine receivers on their offseason roster, but they were scheduled to host another in Oakland Raiders free agent Ronald Curry on Wednesday, FoxSports.com reported. Curry, 29, is a seven-year NFL pro who spent his entire career in Oakland. Last season, he had just 19 catches for 181 yards, but he's two years removed from a career-best 62-catch season in 2006. And in a 55-catch season in 2007, Curry, who is primarily a deep threat, had six of his best games with Daunte Culpepper as his quarterback with the Raiders."
Report: Raiders Likely To Sign Ex-Buc Garcia
Comment
April 6
Tampa Tribune
 
"Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia reportedly will sign with the Oakland Raiders. According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Garcia, 39, will sign with Oakland to back up JaMarcus Russell. The report also stated Garcia could be signed as soon as today. Garcia was Tampa Bay's starting quarterback for the past two seasons. He led the Bucs to a playoff appearance in 2007 and was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, but endured a much rougher time this past year. Prior to the season, Garcia was nearly replaced when Tampa Bay unsuccessfully tried to obtain Brett Favre from Green Bay. Favre eventually was traded to the New York Jets, but Garcia realized Tampa Bay was seeking his ..."
Jeff Garcia Negotiating with Raiders
Comment
April 6
NBC Bay Area
 
"Jeff Garcia in Silver and Black? Yes. NBC Bay Area has confirmed Garcia is negotiating a deal with the Oakland Raiders. The contract could be finalized as early as Sunday. A source close to the negotiations tells NBC Bay Area Sports Director Raj Mathai a deal is "close. It will probably get done." The 39 year-old quarterback will have the opportunity to compete for the starting position with JaMarcus Russell, though Garcia will likely serve as a backup. This will be a homecoming for Garcia, who grew up in Gilroy and graduated from San Jose State University."
Chad-to-Raiders report debunked
Comment
April 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"There have been a lot of rumors and speculation the past week about Chad Ocho Cinco's future with the Bengals. First, he didn't show up for the beginning of offseason conditioning workouts on Monday. Then, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports on Thursday had a list of 10 players who could be traded before the draft, with Ocho Cinco at No. 2 On Saturday, a blogger on BleacherReport.com reported the Raiders and Bengals are hammering out a trade to send Ocho Cinco to Oakland in exchange for running back Michael Bush and a second-round draft pick. According to the blogger, Kushy Williams: "I got a quick minute to ask (new Raiders coach Tom) Cable about this trade, and he responded by saying this move ..."
Dolphins Trade Satele
Comment
March 23
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"It looks as though the Dolphins are going to get back the late-round pick that they dealt to the Jaguars this week for defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, as they've traded center Samson Satele to the Raiders for an undisclosed draft pick, according to an NFL source. Satele has been rumored to be on the trading block since Miami signed free agent centers Jake Grove and Joe Berger this offseason. During some series' late in the season the Dolphins shifted the 6-foot-3, 295-pound Satele to right guard as Al Johnson took over at center. Johnson has since departed, but the 6-4, 300-pound Grove, who received a five-year deal worth $29 million, is expected to be the starter."
Brooks, Toomer could help Raiders restore Pride and Poise
Comment
March 22
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Monte Poole
"ONE YEAR after Al Davis gave DeAngelo Hall a $70 million contract, punctuating an offseason in which he seemed to order free agents from a catalog while blindfolded, the Raiders are being more conservative and selective with their spending. This is wise, for an abundance of reasons, not the least of which is it suggests remorse on the part of Al, who had to chew on the disastrous results of his reckless spending. If he's committed to being more careful and constructive, he might want to consider an asset he sometimes neglects. It's called leadership, and it seems of obvious benefit to a team heavily invested in 23-year-old quarterback JaMarcus Russell, 21-year-old running back Darren ..."
Cable content to work with '08 roster
Comment
March 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"All the familiar faces were in Alameda for the first day of offseason workouts Monday, though some were far more unexpected than others. Take kick returner Justin Miller. The Raiders re-signed him, only they didn't announce the news. Same goes for backup defensive tackle William Joseph, who also came to work Monday when hardly anyone outside the building knew he still had a job there. "They must not have put it out there yet, I guess," Miller said when he got to the team facility early Monday morning. Consider this all part Tom Cable's master plan in his first offseason as head coach. Not so much the hush-hush operation, but how the Raiders are sticking with their own after blowing wads ..."
Owens to Oakland? 'No way,' source says
Comment
March 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 
""Just Say No" is the theme of the week, with one NFL team after the next saying they have no interest in now-former Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. For the Raiders' part, they don't want anything to do with such straw polls - and please, they ask, don't try to read too much into their non-answer. "We're not getting into that whole thing," senior executive John Herrera said. Multiple team sources said, as of Friday, the Raiders have in no shape or form discussed the idea of signing Owens, a perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver who burned every last bridge (and quarterback) on his way out of San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas. One team official put it plainest of all under the condition ..."
Davis undeterred by lemons
Comment
February 26
Contra Costa Times
 
"Raiders managing general partner Al Davis doesn't do losing well. He admits losses stick with him for a long time. He prides himself on doing whatever it takes to ensure his coach gets the kind of players deemed necessary to compete for a Super Bowl, with no exceptions. So, imagine Davis' consternation when he reflected upon the free agents the Raiders signed last offseason and discovered how few panned out. "We did not do well in free agency, no," Davis said earlier this month. And that doesn't even take into account the midseason release of DeAngelo Hall, a cornerback the Raiders acquired in a trade from the Atlanta Falcons for second- and fifth-round draft picks. Or the disappointing ..."
Raiders lock up Johnson
Comment
February 17
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Raiders addressed one of their most-pressing needs by signing cornerback Chris Johnson to a four-year contract extension. The deal hasn't been approved by the league office, a Raiders spokesman said Saturday. However, that is considered a formality, and the deal should be finalized by Tuesday. Johnson, 29, started the final eight games in place of jettisoned veteran DeAngelo Hall last season and proved that he is a starting-caliber player. Given that, the Raiders made re-signing Johnson one of their primary objectives before free agency begins Feb. 27. Other teams aren't allowed to sign players from other teams until that date. Therefore, the Raiders deemed it vital that they lock up ..."
JaMarcus Russell might be facing ankle surgery
Comment
February 5
Sacramento Bee
 
"Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell might need ankle surgery this offseason, team owner Al Davis said Wednesday. Russell is in Alameda after spending some time back home in Mobile, Ala. "He's got some physical problems that have to be taken care of," Davis said. "I think his ankle was bothering him at the end of the year. He had some chips in there so they may have to do something with that." Russell injured his ankle Nov. 16 in Miami but finished the season without missing any time. A knee injury cost Russell the Nov. 9 game against the Carolina Panthers."
This is the week Davis shows that hiring strategy makes sense
Comment
February 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"This looks like the week the Raiders finally name interim head coach Tom Cable their full-time hire, five-plus weeks after the season ended. Raiders owner Al Davis told Cable the job was his last week, but the team has decided to squat on the news as it continues to assemble Cable's coaching staff, a team source said. When that announcement comes, Davis will explain exactly why he's hiring the assistants and coordinators first, a team official said."
Plenty of attractive pieces on market for Chicago Bears
Comment
February 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Monday officially begins the off-season. Even if free agency doesn't begin for another 25 days, Bears fans will bandy about many names over the next month that may or may not make sense for a team buoyed by watching a fellow 9-7 team play in the Super Bowl. Quarterbacks Chris Simms. Veteran leaving the Titans makes sense as Jerry Angelo seeks competition for Kyle Orton. If the choice ends up being Simms, whom the Bears have liked since the 2003 draft, it's a competition Orton likely will win — as many in the organization would prefer. Byron Leftwich. Steelers backup dazzled media during Super Bowl week and charisma definitely would change the chemistry in the Bears' locker room. If ..."
Signs suggest Cable the guy
Comment
January 29
Sacramento Bee
 
"The Raiders are denying what appears to be inevitable. ESPN and NFL.com reported Wednesday the Raiders have decided the "interim" tag on head coach Tom Cable will be removed. Not so fast, say the Raiders. "We have not made a decision at this time," said Raiders senior executive John Herrera. "That's really all I can say." A source close to the situation said the interim head coach had yet to be told he is the Raiders' choice. ESPN reported the Raiders told one of the other job candidates of the decision to go with Cable. NFL.com reported Raiders owner Al Davis had started telling others around the league of his decision. The Raiders have interviewed three candidates: Cable, New York ..."
Cable not yet installed in Raiderville
Comment
January 29
Contra Costa Times
 
"All signs point to Raiders managing general partner Al Davis making 2008 interim head coach Tom Cable the permanent coach within the coming days. However, Cable has not signed a contract, and any such move isn't imminent, contrary to an ESPN report Wednesday. "A decision has not been made yet," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said in response to the report. Herrera said he told the reporter as much when he called the Raiders seeking comment. Two people familiar with the situation confirmed that Cable's contract expired Jan. 13 and has not been renewed. Cable said an announcement will be made by Davis once he has made a decision. Until then, Cable added, he won't comment on the ..."
Handicapping the NFL's return to L.A.
Comment
January 27
Los Angeles Times
 
"Scouting NFL teams that could relocate to L.A.: San Diego Chargers Beginning Sunday, a three-month window opens that would allow the Chargers to relocate to another city. That window will now open each year. The team can leave its current home provided it pays a $56-million lease-termination fee that decreases over time. The Chargers have spent seven years exploring stadium options in San Diego and say they have spent $10 million doing so. Although a move probably would bring significant political objections in San Diego, the Chargers might not encounter those at the state level because theirs would be an in-state move. Odds of relocating: 5 to 1. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars, who have ..."
Raiders believe they have a plan No head coach, but plenty of staff moves
Comment
January 26
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Raiders have been busy as ever the past week, dealing with every issue from B to Z. They've interviewed a defensive coordinator, an offensive coordinator and a defensive line coach, hired a secondary coach, re-signed their tight ends coach as a running backs coach and promoted a quality-control assistant to the tight-ends job. In other words, they're trying to fill every job opening but the biggest one of all. That would be a head coach. Maybe some have forgotten by now, but the Raiders, in fact, do not have a head coach in place. It's been almost four months since Lane Kiffin was fired and four weeks since the 2008 season ended, and nary a word about the heir to team owner Al Davis' ..."
Raiders zero in on Saunders as offensive coordinator
Comment
January 21
Oakland Tribune
 
"The Raiders are making another run at Al Saunders. This time, it will be for the offensive coordinator vacancy created by the departure of Greg Knapp to the Seattle Seahawks. Saunders was just fired by the St. Louis Rams as part of the purge of the Rams staff by new coach Steve Spagnuolo. Saunders may interview with the Raiders as soon as today. "We anticipate giving him an interview within the next day or two," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said Tuesday. Raiders managing general partner Al Davis interviewed Saunders for the head coaching vacancy in 2006 before Davis settled upon Art Shell. Saunders was hired by the Washington Redskins that season. He returned this season to the ..."