With reports of the NFL Lockout coming close to a conclusion spreading like wild fire, Adam Schefter has reported that in the new CBA, players will become unrestricted free agents after four years as opposed to six (same as it was before 2010). This means that come time for free agency, the Raiders will have to worry not only about trying to re-sign guys like Nnamdi Asomugha and Michael Huff, but also two big time players in Zach Miller and Michael Bush.
Before the lockout officially began, the Raiders placed first and third round tenders on both Bush and Miller. However, if the details being leaked about the new CBA are true, these two players would not be eligible for tenders as they would be unrestricted free agents instead of restricted free agents.
Both of these guys are key to the Raiders continued success and will immediately become priorities to re-sign should the rumors be true. Nnamdi Asomugha may be the best Raiders player to be a free agent, but it could be argued that Miller and Bush are more essential to the Raiders success.
Miller is clearly the best receiving option for the Raiders right now. The young receiving corps has shown promise, but has had serious issues with consistency. Miller, on the other hand, has shown time and time again that he can be a consistent threat with great hands and a better work ethic.
As a backup, some would argue that Bush is not nearly as important to the Raiders. However, with Darren McFadden’s history of injuries and the Raiders clear intent to be a run first team, depth at the runningback position is crucial. The Raiders have a promising young rookie in Taiwan Jones and veterans in Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett, however, none of these guys has shown the ability to carry a full load for a run first team should McFadden get injured this season.