As the Oakland Raiders have worked to assemble their staff and prepare for the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft, they've had to deal with several key free agents. Two of the more notable free agents the Raiders have to figure out are defensive tackle Richard Seymour and tight end Zach Miller. Both players are key cogs on each side of the ball, and guys Hue Jackson would seemingly love to have back.
Well, his prayers might be answered in the short term. Jim Trotter of SI.com is reporting the Raiders and Richard Seymour have come to terms on a two year contract worth $30 million, with $22.5 million in guarantees. The deal will include a guaranteed bonus of $7.5 million in 2012. Seymour is considered a leader on defense as Tommy Kelly stated in the SI article:
"Big Rich brings the example," defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said. "He don't talk it; the résumé talks it. You already know what he means because of the Super Bowls and Pro Bowls. He commands respect, and he gives you respect. So it's easy to follow the example of somebody like that."
Hue Jackson is an offensive-minded coach, so being able to bring back one of the defensive leaders of the team should make his job a little bit easier. Jackson's job gets even better because this signing means the Raiders are now free to place their franchise tag on tight end Zach Miller. Over the last three seasons Miller has led the team in receptions and yards and has been a key cog in the offense. The Raiders have improved the talent at the skill positions, but Miller will remain a key component of Coach Jackson's 2011 Raiders offense.
This is a fairly recent breaking story, so check over at Silver and Black Pride for more details as they come out.