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Nothing coming out of the Oakland Raiders organization really surprises me anymore. Therefore, while I was not anticipating the team releasing their biggest offseason acquisition, they are, in fact, ready to give cornerback DeAngelo Hall his walking papers. And I’m not shocked. The whole situation was supposed to hit the fan today, but the Raiders are apparently putting it off until tomorrow for some reason.

If DeAngelo is cut (and all signs are pointing to exactly that happening), he will have made $8 million for his eight games with the Raiders. Yeah, I know. As shocking as that is, by releasing him now, the Raiders will actually save themselves another $16 million in injury-guaranteed bonuses. Financially responsible the Raiders are not, but it might be a good move. This is the same team that paid defensive tackle Tommy Kelly an NFL-record $50.5 million over seven years and receiver Javon Walker $55 million for six years. You wonder what they’re thinking. Ironically, both of these players are rumored to be on their way out in an exodus of overpaid talent.

DeAngelo will go through the waiver process but it’s unfathomable that any other team is as irresponsible with money as the Raiders, so he would become a free agent and be available to sign with any team of his choosing. There will certainly be interest. DeAngelo hasn’t had a bad year. Despite being banged up and playing in such a dysfunctional environment, he has a respectable 48 tackles and three interceptions. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots, Cowboys, Giants or Redskins show a sincere interest.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Raiders Set to Release DeAngelo Hall

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The Oakland Raiders are out of their minds. On this eve of free agency, the Raiders signed defensive tackle Tommy Kelly to an NFL-record seven-year, $50.5 million contract. A little over $18 million is guaranteed.

Some of you may be wondering who Tommy Kelly is. He’ll be entering his 5th season with the Raiders out of Mississippi State (he was originally signed as an undrafted free agent), but he hasn’t exactly lit up the league. Tommy’s a decent run-stopper with some pass rushing ability, but he’s far from an elite DT. He only has 13 career sacks. Plus, he’s damaged goods coming off an ACL tear that limited him to seven games last season.

This is an insane deal. What it will do is raise the bar significantly for other (hopefully better) defensive tackles to get huge deals. Good for DTs, yes. But bad for the other 31 teams who are hating the Raiders right now and will have to match or beat this kind of money for a quality defensive tackle.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Raiders Sign Tommy Kelly to Richest Defensive Tackle Contract in NFL History