Many thought the Oakland Raiders would not be players on the free agent market until it calmed down a few weeks into it. That, however, does not appear to be the plan of new top man, Reggie McKenzie. The Raiders and McKenzie did a solid job of cutting salaries so that they could start making moves in free agency somewhat quickly.
After signing cornerback Ronald Bartell and right guard Mike Brisiel last week, the Raiders did not waste much time in further solidifying their inexperienced secondary by signing cornerback Shawntae Spencer, who was released by the San Francisco 49ers late last week.
Spencer is a solid corner who will be a welcomed addition to the Raiders thin secondary. He is a physical player who is also a good run defender. It is yet another signing that makes a ton of sense for the Raiders. Spencer has been a quality player for the 49ers. However, a recent spate of injuries along with an increasingly crowded secondary meant that he was expendable. It also meant that he would not command a lot of money on the open market. The contract is only for one year, limiting any risk the Raiders are taking with signing a guy who has injury issues.
All in all, McKenzie is doing a very good job of attacking the areas of need for the Raiders right away. Since the Raiders do not have a lot of money to spend in free agency, and even less options in the draft, McKenzie is not taking any chances and is ensuring that the spots that need an upgrade the most are getting them, even if they are just modest upgrades.
By the way, for those of you keeping track at home, the score is now Raiders: 1 Niners: 1. While the Raiders got their red and gold on by signing the former Niner, the Niners had already gotten a taste of Silver and Black when they signed free agent Rock Cartwright.