Why Seymour will end up a Raider
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, September 7th, 2009 at 5:23 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The New England Patriots say its a deal and that Richard Seymour was traded to the Raiders.
Three separate sources say the deal went out on the NFL wire, meaning it was approved by the league, and that Seymour counts as a member of the Raiders on the 53-man roster. On the same day, the Raiders terminated the contract of William Joseph to make room.
All that awaits is a physical.
So why would Raiders coach Tom Cable say the Raiders were “attempting” to make a deal to acquire Seymour and say the only issues are between Seymour and the Patriots?
I’ve long since given up trying to figure out how the Raiders come up with their company line. In this case, I doubt it will matter much.
At some point within the next few days, simple economics will come into play and Seymour will report to the Raiders as a somewhat surprised but willing professional planning on giving his best.
Seymour has been with the Patriots for eight years and has family there. It’s his home. He’s got children to consider in terms of pulling the out of school and relocating to the opposite coast. Even if you’re a millionaire, it’s a shock to the system, and that doesn’t even take into consideration the swing of the pendulum from the NFL’s best organization over the past six years to the worst.
But because of the money involved, $3.7 million this year and the potential for huge money down the line in the form of a new contract, refusing to accept the trade could have dire financial consequences. And that brings him right back to his family, with the only sensible solution being to show up in Oakland, help turn around the NFL’s worst rushing defense and further enhance his status as one of the best defensive linemen of his era.
Neither Seymour nor anyone involved with him is talking on the record. Agent Eugene Parker could not be reached for comment through e-mails or phone messages. The notion being floated by sources who don’t want to be an on the record is that Seymour was stunned by the trade, and the best guess is he’ll get over it and get on with his career.
That Al Davis would make a deal of this magnitude without having an agreement in place with Seymour isn’t surprising.
First, Davis figures Seymour, once he gets used to the idea, will love the idea of being a Raider. He is convinced every player wants to wear silver and black. Players themselves are often fascinated with Davis. If he gets an extended period of time to talk with Seymour, that may be all it will take to get him in uniform.
Second, Davis is very good at keeping the players he wants to keep. Almost no one saw the Raiders keeping both Nnamdi Asomugha and Shane Lechler, but Davis opened up his checkbook and did both.
The Raiders have leverage in the form of a franchise tag, which they can utilize with Seymour until they strike a deal as they did with Asomugha.
Seymour isn’t the first reluctant Raider. In 1998, the Raiders traded with the New Orleans Saints for cornerback Eric Allen, planning to pair him with top draft pick Charles Woodson.
Allen wanted no part of coming to the Raiders. He’d heard enough horror stories about a 1997 season that would fit in nicely with any or all of the last six years in terms of dysfunction and disaster.
He came anyway, of course. Allen wasn’t ready to walk away from the sport he loved. Conversations with defensive coordinator Willie Shaw, who had been a Saints assistant, and coach Jon Gruden helped convince him to report.
The difference, of course, is that Allen was acquired in the offseason. The Raiders could be patient and let Allen come to his senses.
With the Seymour deal struck eight days before the opener, the process will be condensed, but common sense and economics still apply.
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September 7th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
hurry up and get him here.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Good work Jerry
September 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Pats were prolly cheatin again, told him he would get some money under the table. Now he wants it and they’re stuck. Thats why Pats official says he doesn’t know of any problems, can’t just come out and say the brief case of money they are getting him under the table is bein held up.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Maybe Cable meant “Attempting to make a deal” as in “Attempting to get a contract(deal) worked out with Seymour.”
September 7th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
the problem probally has more to do with relocting his family on such short notice. should wife and kids stay in NE or move and change schools and such.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
anything that helps our D-line will help our team.
get this dude in silver and black pronto!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Im sure this close to the season opener that this is the last major move Oakland will make but h@ll if Al really wants to prove its just win baby then we ought to give up some more upcoming draft picks and bring in another 1-2 defensive players from other teams. Our defense has some talent but I really think we still need another piece or 2 or we are going to get gashed still in the running game. Its been proven time and again. Year after year that a completely crappy offense can win games with a great defense. Our offense is on the rise but will need time to develop. If our defense could at least compete we could easily pull out of our division which is pretty hectic this year and ripe for the taking
September 7th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
The is the most common sense post you EVER did Jerry! I’m shocked!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
If Richard was smart, he would leave the wife and kids back on the other side of the country.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
follow the money…
September 7th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Cable said the Raiders are working on a deal. Unless you’re a complete moron, this means contract extension. The trade has already happened, so that can’t be the deal he’s talking about. Am I the only one that is able to figure that out?
Also, according to Profootballcentral.com, Seymour will report to the Raiders tomorrow for a physical. He wasn’t in Oakland today because he wanted to spend the Labor Day holiday with his family.
I realize that part of the media’s job is to stir things up and generate readership, but this is getting just a little too ridiculous. Besides, who believes Peter King or Mike Lombardi when it comes to the Raiders anyway?
September 7th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Yeah the media is going to stir things up about any team or sport but especially with teams like the Raiders
September 7th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
All dez’ damn “sources” …man line ‘em up for the firing squad. Hope yall got many bullets.
Anyway …I’m still salivating over the prospect. Ellis/Kelly/Warren/Seymour …the LB corp will need some work into next year …then you’ve got the top corner in the game Nnam! This defense “should” be something.
That line can rival that of the G-Men.
Packaged with a young and up-n-coming offense lead by Russell. This team can go place real quick – All they need is the know-how, reps and confidence to get it done.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Peter King and Mike Lombardi are the epitome of sportsworld intelligence and integrity…
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BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…
OH, JESUS!!!!
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA….
September 7th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
#7 your right. i would say to trade another pick to bring in another D-lineman
September 7th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Yeah I dont see it happennig southtexasraider but seriouslly the way we waste draft picks we are better off trying to trade our picks for proven players right now. I think also another trade or 2 would put any questions Seymour may have about our defense more at ease and the afc west is a mess this year. We could really shock the rest of our division with a few more pieces
September 7th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
If Seymour plays well, he will be beloved by the Raider Nation!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Teach that makes a lot of sense thanks for clearing that up
September 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
How about Ellis, Bryant, Kelly, and Seymour?
September 7th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
He should play well and elevate a few peoples games who are around him. I just still see us being weak in a few areas on defense still. Al just needs to shock everyone again and snag another player or 2. Our run game we know is going to be pretty solid again. The passing game has shown some promise but not enough to get excited about. We all know teams can win with a good running game, a few well timed passes even if the passing game isnt that great, and a solid defense. Everything else is in place so why not get rid of a few picks we will likely waste anyway and pick up a player or two if possible and set this thing in motion now.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Kirk Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
How about Ellis, Bryant, Kelly, and Seymour?
__________________
Hopefully be seeing that no later than after the bye, hopefully sooner.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Now it’s time to really rock the NFL world and trade newly acquired Seymore to the Denver Donkeys for WR Brandon Marshall. You heard it here first!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
That would be shocking and stupid. The defense is near last in the league every year. A wie receiver is not going to fix this team. Remember Randy Moss? He did make an effort at first before he gave up on us
September 7th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
RaiderKen Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Now it’s time to really rock the NFL world and trade newly acquired Seymore to the Denver Donkeys for WR Brandon Marshall. You heard it here first!
—————————–
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Now thats some funny sh!t, ur killin me Ken.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Your definately right about that or some people just lose jobs, cant relocate to work and cant find work where they are at
September 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
All jobs and careers have benefits and drawbacks.
People get relocated all the time (by choice and otherwise).
While its tough for his kids, with the school year just starting and all…the man gets Millions of Dollars for his troubles.
There are people who are relocating just to find a job and have families to feed as well.
Keep things in perspective!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
[...] Seymour Will Be A Raider – Article Why Seymour will end up a Raider – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highl… The New England Patriots say its a deal and that Richard Seymour was traded to the Raiders. Three [...]
September 7th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
The Donkey’s are looking to get rid of Marshall and want at least a first rounder. The coach came from NE and plays a 3-4 defense, but has no great linemen. Marshall is on his way out and the Raiders have made trades with them. Just saying Marshall is better than any receiver we have and instantly makes our offense lethal.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Did anyone watch the Bama-VaTech game the other night? “Mount” Cody was shoving two O-linemen at a time out of the way so his LBs could make plays. He’s also pretty darned fast for a guy that they estimate to weigh in at around 355-360 lbs. Very impressive performance by that guy.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
September 7th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
No doubt SnB. Seymour isn’t going to make any new friends or fans by pouting during this economic climate we are in.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I came here to get a Raiders’ perspective on the trade and to be respectful while doing it, but (most of) you guys are too much.
It is painfully obvious that, as a group, the Raiders fan base is delusional.
-You have yourself convinced that Jamarcus Russell is a sure-fire legitmate QB despite there being very little on-field evidence to indicate this. How long do you have to talk about unrealized potential before accepting that this potential may reamain forever unrealized? When all is said and done, Russell may prove to be the worst performing starting QB in the league this year.
-The coaching staff is in disarray (how many other coaching staffs are the subject of a criminal investigation?) and may very well be completely in over their heads. In no other sport does the coaching staff have such a profound effect on the quality of the on field product. You guys may have the worst.
-Al Davis is inexplicably viewed as still being competent despite a track record of futility over the last six years that is rivaled only by Matt Millen. Guys, poor old Al is a senile old man who is overmatched in every sense as a GM/leader of a professional organization. Do you really think that he can still deal with the likes of Bill Belichick or other top-flight GMs and not be taken advantage of?
-Despite a mountain of evidence suggesting otherwise, you guys really think you have a chance of sniffing the playoffs while Al Davis is still alive. Any rational fan of professional football knows that the Raiders will stink this year and beyond, and next year won’t even have the high first round draft pick to show for it. Thanks for the top ten (or top five? or top overall?) pick, Al.
In short, there is good reason why “Raider Nation” is the most mocked and disrespected fan base in all of professionl sports. Every fan base has their share of knuckleheads, but you guys take it to the next level. Hope you enjoy your five win season next year. You can always take pride in polishing your SB trophies, which by the way are now all antiques. Just win, baby? Morons…
September 7th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
RaiderKen Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
The Donkey’s are looking to get rid of Marshall and want at least a first rounder. The coach came from NE and plays a 3-4 defense, but has no great linemen. Marshall is on his way out and the Raiders have made trades with them. Just saying Marshall is better than any receiver we have and instantly makes our offense lethal.
____________________
You weren’t kidding? Oh. Well lets just say this then, why would you give up a 5 time probowl DL for a bad attitude , always in trouble , prima donna wide receiver, when the biggest problem on your WHOLE team is run D?
September 7th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
IMO our drafts, the last 3 years especially, have been pretty good. We almost have a majority of homegrown talent on the team now. I believe 5 players from this years draft and 2 ufa’s made the team. That’s a pretty high percentage, if they play well. I think this is the year the team starts expecting to win again. The Seymore signing could change everything.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Russell may prove to be the worst performing starting QB in the league this year.
***********************************
In his first year as a starter, stats-wise and team record wise, he was better than Peyton, Steve Young, and John Elway. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Andrew33 – The fact that you are here means that deep down you are really worried about losing Seymour and you think it was a bad deal for the Patriots. No matter how much you try to convince yourself otherwise (even attempting to mask it by demeaning the organization). Otherwise, why bother to get the other side’s perspective?
September 7th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Andrew33,
Are you sure you are a Pats fan or just another hater coming in here to express his hatred for the Raiders.
My best guess is that you are an existing poster using a different moniker.
Spare us. Let’s just watch the season play out!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Because putting points on the board wins games. We have no threat at wide out and we can’t run all the time. If you think one DE/DT will change our situation then your sadly mistaken. Sapp couldn’t do it not even with Burgess. Our LB are in worst shape than our DL. When we went to the Superbowl we got Sam Adams, John Parrella, Rod Woodson, Bill Romanowski, and drafted Harris to play MLB. It would take an offseason like that to fix our Defense again.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Disappointed to lose Seymour, yes. But a bad deal for the Pats? Hardly. A top 15 pick for sure, maybe even a top five in exchange for a player who wasn’t going to resigned anyway. That’s a deal I make 10 times out of ten.
And I’m only demeaning the organization because of the many comments attacking me when I tried to be reasonable. Oh, and because making fun of the Raiders and their fans is fun and easy to do.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
hey andrew33 I dont think every Raider fan is dilusional but if you are any real kind of sports fan you stick with your team even at their worst and never jump ship. My dad was a Cowboy fan when they were like 1-15 or something. The Cowboys are by no means the worst team in the league now. Hell I live in Texas but Im never going to be a Cowboys fan. I was born in Cali and have always been a Raiders fan. Thats how true sports fans are.
Having said that Im not delusional. No I dont think Jamarcus is some great quarterback. Can he get better? Yes. Will he? only time will tell that. Do I think we have one of the best rushing games in the league? yes.
Do I think our defense is any good? Hell no we have been close to last if not last the last few years. Can our defense benefit from veteran leadership? yes.
Im by no means saying we got any shot at going to the super bowl but the afc west this year is a joke. Every year Oakland loses a ton of game in the division. This year we should be able to take advantage of K.C. and Denver who are 2 teams in turmoil. So I honestly think if San Diego falters we could get a wild card berth into the playoffs. On the other side of that the last six years prove the Raiders could win only 3-4 games.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Anybody who thinks we don’t have receivers hasn’t been paying attention or is a hater. We’re loaded. Wait and see. The trolls will soon be digging thier holes much deeper and then they’ll go away.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Ken
I do realize putting points on the board wins games, but you also have to realize is the team is trying to get rid of the bad attitudes, and bring in winning attitudes. Brandon Marshal is a damn good receiver, but he is a head case, and we just don’t need that. Chaz will be back soon, Murph is comin along well, Javon will help out, still have JLH who played well in 2nd half last year. DHB, I really don’t know what to think about him yet.
We need as much help on D as possible over a bad attitude receiver. Will seymour take us to the SB himself? prolly not, but he is a huge upgrade for our D.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Noshadowking- that may be the most reasonable post I have seen on here yet. Stop using reason and making sense, your fellow Raider fans are sure to be confused.
If they do turn it around someday, it will be all the more sweet when you know you have stuck with them thru the down years.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
LTR
Why would you insult me by calling me a troll? Is it because my views and opinions differ from yours? I don’t post often, but when I do I choose sometimes to agree and sometimes not to. This doesn’t make me a troll. By the way exactly what makes you think our WR corps will do anything. In most Fantasy leagues all of our WR’s are still on the board.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Andrew33,
Teams go through problems from time to time. Also, Al Davis brings with him a way of doing things that can sometimes lead to what we have seen lately.
Do you remember Rod Rust? Remember those pre-Parcells days when your team played in Old Foxboro in front of half empty crowds. The sun gleaming off of all those empty bleachers.
Were you there back then? Because half of New England wasn’t!
Easy to chear the winner!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Raiderwoj
Good point we probably don’t need another head case, but it seems all the great receivers are head cases or full of themselves. That hasn’t stopped the Raiders from taking them in the past. Marshall knows the AFC west Corners and thus has more of an impact than someone who has to change from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Sapp couldn’t go the other way and Ellis signed with us because we ran a 4-3 not a 3-4. Don’t get me wrong if we keep RS it will improve our D but not fix it completely and I think he knows that.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Yup- read post 44. I spent plenty of Sunday afternoons on the cold aluminum benches in the old Foxboro Stadium. Success is sweet when you have stuck with your team thru the bad years.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I wonder if Carolina Panthers would trade J. Peppers for the Raiders 1st round pick next year? Think of the D-line than, we would be set for years. Draft O-line, LB’s, and DB’s for the next few drafts.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Ken
You need to remember that RS’s 1st 2 years in the league he played in the 4-3, he’s a versitile player, Sapp was in no way ever meant to be in a 3-4, we played him outta postion and payed for it.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
hey drew33… with all due respect go back to your pats blog.. I could care less about what you want or think about the NATION!!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
If you must know Andrew33, most think it was a stellar trade if he gets signed long term and stays healthy.
We got a proven player. A (I lost the count how many times) Probowl player – a player that can produce NOW – someone we could get another 5 quality years out of – And he fills a position of GREAT need.
You got a pick. A pick that has a slim chance, probably less than a 10% chance of reaching Seymour’s stature. A pick that will take years to develop after which you will have to pony up even more doe to resign him. You’ve got a big risk, much bigger than ours UNLESS you trade that pick for more picks to lessen the risk you take.
You also bear the risk of not knowing where you will pick. Sure you can say Top10 but from my perch, looking at the AFC West and the Raiders progression within it, the probability of that happening now is not a great one.
Say we get another 5yrs out of Seymour. Well this is the same 5yrs you’ll have to sign the rookie to a contract. But in all probability that rookie won’t be productive as a Seymour in those same 5yrs (due to learning curve etc).
But your team needs what it needs and ours needs what it needs. You guys were just too damn old. The Raiders have been on that rodeo before. It’ll only lead to disaster down the road if you don’t mix high quality youth in there. WE have youth but with little leadership.
I’ve jumped around this argument a lot – only time will tell who got the better end of the stick.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Andrew33… You want a Raider fan’s perspective on the Seymour trade? We acquired one of the best and most versatile defensive linemen in the NFL for a 2011 first round draft pick. It was a good deal for both sides because the Raiders had no one on the roster that could do what Seymour can, and desperately needed a defensive end that could both rush the passer and be stout against the run. A good deal for New England because they weren’t going to be able to sign both Seymour and Vince Wilfork. Both are talented players, Wilfork is younger, that’s why Seymour was traded instead. The 2011 draft pick is not an issue for me, and I’ll tell you why: The Raiders need to address the defense now, not in 2011. Seymour probably has another three or four years left in him (Greg Ellis is 34 and still playing at a a high level, so I’m not indulging in wishful thinking here), and that gives the Raiders plenty of time to address a replacement for his eventual departure.
Saying things like “that pick will most likely be a top five pick” and so forth is stunning in its ignorance. Two years is a long time in the NFL (especially with a young team), and there is also no guarantee whatsoever that the player chosen with that pick will ever be the player that Richard Seymour is.
More perspective; you should really do a little more homework before denouncing Russell the way you have. Or maybe just watch some games. Many in the media have him in a box (he’s fat, he’s lazy, he doesn’t care, he’s not a leader, etc., etc.) but there are others (Warren Moon among them) that are saying that Russell is going to surprise a lot of people this year. I’m not going to go into all the things that have taken place before this year, nor am I going to list for you all the things that have been put in place this year in order for him to succeed, but I would just ask that you watch and see rather than listen to some vacuous talking head tell you how much he sucks and buy into that because it’s the prevailing sports media description of the young man.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Lets just hope Seymour doesn’t turn into a Trace Armstrong. =)
September 7th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Well said Terrapin …
Now that you’ve had a few responses from the calmer heads, I suggest you mozy on back to the Pats board. It gets kinda crazy around here after dark.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
tell em Jhill…
September 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Teach,
Don’t forget Michael Smith of ESPN, Gruden, Schlereth, Herm Edwards, and Rod Woodson.
And that was before the Seymore trade.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
This was a good trade for both teams. We got a solid player and yes whoever New England drafts with our pick will probably not have as good a career as Seymour but you also have to remember that New England drafts very well. They will put the pick to better use than we would have. They will actually fill a hole on their team and upgrade which we probably wouldnt have done. This way we actually used the pick to uprgade a position of need. Good to hear you were a fan during your teams down years Andrew. lol ya’ll used to have the ugliest emblem on your teams helmets and uniforms so you must be a true fan
September 7th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Honestly brethren.. why are you even feeding this troll?? I mean he’s polite and all but he’ll start hatin soon enough..
September 7th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Man, all these nostradamous haters…if they are so good at predicting things, why are they even on this blog. Shouldnt they be drinking coctails in the bahamas on their own private island if they are so good at predicting the future.
the bottomline is the pats have to get lucky on their draft. they havent done that great in the past 3 yrs.on their drafts. all their performers are freeagent pickups other than Mayo, welker, moss, harrison, taylor are all freeagents plus that DE from the ravens.
we have to get lucky that RS stays healthy. stfu and lets play the game first andrew!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I see you 408 …
Just thought the tourist should at least be warned.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Raiderwoj
Bottom line IMHO Seymour has not addressed the media his agent hasn’t either. Cable says he and the Pats have issues to work out. The Pats say there are no such issues and the deal is done.
What is one to think? I for one think one of two things.
A) Al is working a long term deal out
or
B) Al is working another deal.
Are we to expect Al made this trade blind and with no assurance Seymour was on board?
I know he’s old, but I don’t believe he is that far gone.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Yeah thats the key Edward. The raiders are only going to get 3-5 years out of Seymour so more trades need to be made this year or next to solidify the defense. I would say good players need to be drafted but we usually dont seem to draft players who make an impact right away. Having said that everyone said Nmadi was a reach and now even the idiots on bspn are saying he is the best cornerback in the league so their is a method to the madness.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Well its better to at least have a somewhat decent discussion of football even if its with a fan of another team then to look over this blog day by day and watch people argue over dumb crap that has nothing to do with football or the Raiders
September 7th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
The 2011 predictions are just hilarious!
Top 10 pick? Too funny!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
True that, Jhill. I think he’ll be better next year than this, but I think a lot of folks that have been slamming him (for no good reason, in my opinion) all this time are not going to know quite what to say when they see what a little professional coaching and a better supporting cast can do for him.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
The defense is fine. Draft LB and Oline in next year’s draft and this team is pretty much set.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I am hoping that the delay is over him making moving arrangements and working out an extension but you never know. He does upgrade a DL that desperately needs the help.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
RaiderKen Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Raiderwoj
Bottom line IMHO Seymour has not addressed the media his agent hasn’t either. Cable says he and the Pats have issues to work out. The Pats say there are no such issues and the deal is done.
What is one to think? I for one think one of two things.
A) Al is working a long term deal out
or
B) Al is working another deal.
Are we to expect Al made this trade blind and with no assurance Seymour was on board?
I know he’s old, but I don’t believe he is that far gone.
____________________
OK, but I thought we were talking about your trade idea, and I said yesterday that I didn’t think Al would make this trade with it being a potential 1 and done(but I may be wrong)
And it’s been reported that RS will be here tomoro for his physical, that he was spendin Labor Day with his family.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Richard Seymour Ranks 6th among Defensive Ends on Scouts Inc.
1. Julius Pepper – 91
2. Mario Williams – 91
3. Aaron Smith – 90
4. Jared Allen – 88
5. Ty Warren – 88
6. Richard Seymour – 87
7. Justin Tuck – 87
8. Dwight Freeney – 86
9. Osi Umenyiora – 85
10. Patrick Kerney – 84
Seymour also becomes our 2nd best player rated at 87 with Asomugha at 92 and Kirk Morrison rated 3rd at 78.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
People…Seymour is not old. Hes 29.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Everyone is slamming Jamarcus because he plays for Oakland. Its as simple as that. A lot of good quarterbacks played for teams that only won 2-5 games their first few years. The verdict is still out on Jamarcus. I personally dont think that 2011 pick will be in the top ten though. The team is slowly getting better. Well ok if we fire Cable and get another lame coach before 2011 then its a top 5 pick
September 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Of course he’ll be better next year Teach. Surrounding him with guys like Ellis and Seymour are going to help his maturity. Whether he likes it or not, ya know. I see those guys getting after Russell if he is not bringing the same level of effort that they are. Those guys expect to win and won’t go for the BS. I think guys like Fargas and Nnamdi bring that to the table as well. I know Chaz is young, but I think he has it too.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Everyone seems to fear Seymour not wanting to play for Oakland. Well that could be true but honestly has anyone turned down a monster contract from Al? If Seymour plays well this year Al will fork out the money to keep him and it seems like some of the defensive players on this team are already excited about Seymour being here. That means a couple of these young players on defense are going to look up to him and work harder than they might have if he says something to him
September 7th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I’m not trying to be a wiseguy here, but how can there be much optimism when Al Davis is running the ship? Isn’t it kind of obvious that he has lost his touch, to put it mildly?
The Pre-Kraft Pats had a long record of futility, and it was no secret that it was tied to poor ownership. Same with most long-suffering franchises- in the long run weak ownership severely handicaps the product on the field. Am I missing something here, because I see Davis making one puzzling decision after the next in regards to both coaches and personnel, not to mention the bizzarre behavior he displayed after the Kiffin fiasco. I can’t see the Raiders turning this around while he is still and integral part of the braintrust. Is there legitimate reason to feel differently?
September 7th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Richard Seymour Ranks 87
Chargers LT Marcus McNeill Ranks 84
Broncos LT Ryan Clady Ranks 79
Chiefs LT Branden Albert Ranks 68
We have instantly made the life of our division difficult by getting a player who is better than our divisions QB Protectors. On top of that, we have brought a guy from the Patriots organization that might know a thing or 2 about Josh McDaniels offense and maybe a little bit regarding what Scott Pioli is trying to do in K.C.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I told ya now this guy wants to talk bout MR DAVIS… whats a mater drew pats blog empty??
September 7th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I think theres no chance of Oakland being anywhere close to a dynasty while Al is alive for sure but they can turn it around. We had a few good years with Gruden and 1 good one after Gruden. There was no way were could beat Tampa in the Super Bowl when Gruden knew the offense because he made it though. I think the problem is Al is getting old and doesnt have patience sometimes. We have some talent finally though so there could be a couple good years ahead but we will never stay relevant for more than 1-2 years the trigger keeps getting pulled on coaches,etc
September 7th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
andrew33 Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I came here to get a Raiders’ perspective on the trade and to be respectful while doing it, but (most of) you guys are too much.
It is painfully obvious that, as a group, the Raiders fan base is delusional.
-You have yourself convinced that Jamarcus Russell is a sure-fire legitmate QB despite there being very little on-field evidence to indicate this. How long do you have to talk about unrealized potential before accepting that this potential may reamain forever unrealized? When all is said and done, Russell may prove to be the worst performing starting QB in the league this year.
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Nnamdi says:
Like most people who talk Raiders but aren’t, you know nothing of which you speak.
Russell has been hampered by the worst tackles in the League, coaching changes and a complete lack of reliable wide outs and STILL he has better stats than willing to acknowledge or admit.
SOME weapons are in place for him. A building process and no, I don’t predict a Super Bowl this year, but certainly don’t expect him to be the worst QB in the League.
Thats a leap and you being a snarky lil bish.
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-The coaching staff is in disarray (how many other coaching staffs are the subject of a criminal investigation?) and may very well be completely in over their heads. In no other sport does the coaching staff have such a profound effect on the quality of the on field product. You guys may have the worst.
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Well, lets see, Hmm, I seem to recall the Patriots under quite a bit of scrutiny there for a while if tyou recall, but more recently the NFL is investigating the Washington Redskins if you had a clue. and it doesn’t seem to matter to nay sayers that organizations like the Bengals, Cowboys, Chargers and Broncos have had many SERIOUS scrapes with the law in recent years.
But no! Oaklands the bad one!
Granted, this team has sukt azz for 6 seasons and thats easily identifiable. what isn’t is how much better they are this year. A work in progress no doubt, but still improving…now if they get killed by SD Monday night…
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-Al Davis is inexplicably viewed as still being competent despite a track record of futility over the last six years that is rivaled only by Matt Millen. Guys, poor old Al is a senile old man who is overmatched in every sense as a GM/leader of a professional organization. Do you really think that he can still deal with the likes of Bill Belichick or other top-flight GMs and not be taken advantage of?
-Despite a mountain of evidence suggesting otherwise, you guys really think you have a chance of sniffing the playoffs while Al Davis is still alive. Any rational fan of professional football knows that the Raiders will stink this year and beyond, and next year won’t even have the high first round draft pick to show for it. Thanks for the top ten (or top five? or top overall?) pick, Al.
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The Patriots have had an incredible run thanks to low life deals and cheating their azzes off. Disgusting and tainted.
Davis has made some missteps especially of late but he is still a living legend whose recent drafts have frankly been better than New Englands.
New Englands lost a lot of its vets and is closer to losing ground than man yof its fans are willing to admit.
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In short, there is good reason why “Raider Nation” is the most mocked and disrespected fan base in all of professionl sports. Every fan base has their share of knuckleheads, but you guys take it to the next level. Hope you enjoy your five win season next year. You can always take pride in polishing your SB trophies, which by the way are now all antiques. Just win, baby? Morons…
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The Raider Nation is world wide. They’ve sold the most merchandise in the history of the League BY FAR and have the most loyal fans the NFL.
We’ll be back and in silver and black. Thats a fact Jack…
I’m assuming of course your a NE fan, si I leave you with this…
Your oxy contin junkie O line lost its dealer when Kaczur turned Narc remember? They gave us a preview this pre season of what Tom Brady has in store. He’ll be injured and out before the half way point and the wheels will fall off the Patriots dynasty so fast it’ll make their heads spin.
So let it be written, so let it be done…
September 7th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Realistically San Diego is the only team we should have problems with in our division and losing in our division has killed us recently. Having said that Oakland is not a good enough team to overlook K.C. or Denver. All Im going to say is I have never liked Denver but have always respected them as a team and franchise until this year. Who in their right mind trades away their franchise quarterback. Thats got to be the dumbest move in years by any team. And Im sure their best wr will be gone soon too. As a Raiders fan I was loving the moves K.C. and especially denver has been making this year lol
September 7th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
76. You’re forgetting Seymour can line up ANYWHERE on the line to create mismatches.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
80. Amen to that!
We’ve made bone head plays consistently for 6 yrs. Seems its time our rivals moves are catching up to them. We’re about 2 yrs into our rebuiild and they’ve just begun.
SD’s window is closing fast too…
September 7th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Tom Brady’s knee won’t hold up and they don’t have Matt Cassel to back him up anymore. The fans are worried no doubt.
September 7th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Nnamdi21 – Too true. Can Ellis be as versatile by switching sides with Seymour?
September 7th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Well Al has made some bad moves but he always pulls in tlaent via trade. Granted it doesnt always work out. For example picking up Randy Moss was a great idea but that didnt work out because Moss is not a true professional. Im sorry but if I made millions of dollars each year I would put forth an effort even if my team sucked. Yeah id be mad and go home cursing at night but on the field I would try at least for the fans who prolly all work crappy low wage jobs and will never have even close to a million dollars. Now 1 of the worst trades recently was Al listening to his then coach Lane Kiffin and agreeing to trade Moss away. Moss was dicontent but we all know what he had left after we saw him in New England
September 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I’m checkin’ out- surely not a disappointment to most of you.
Thanks to those of you who offered legitimate responses. Best of luck, after ‘11 of course.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
84.Not sure about Ellis to tell the truth. I know he can stand up in 3-4 and get the job done like he did in limited action last year but he had some serious help with big D’s D.
He hasn’t looked good with the Raiders. Hopefully Seymour shows and inspires.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
86. Peace be with you Andrew stop by anytime…
September 7th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Konnichiwa Bishes!~
Enjoy the week…
C’mon Seymour and welcome to the Raider nation! We need your help!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
dont let the door hit ya in the a$$…. I hate trolls
September 7th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Nnamdi… great post.
“Like most people who talk Raiders but aren’t, you know nothing of which you speak.”
Classic.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
RaiderKen,
My post about the trolls may have followed yours but it was only directed to the trolls, we all know who they are and they know who they are. Some are here only to disrupt the Nation.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Norv Turner has slowly destroyed the Chargers. Its only a matter of time. Age is also catching up to them.
2007: 11-5
2008: 8-8
2009? I think 5-11 would balance this quite well.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
considering what the Vikings gave up a first and two 3rds for Allen, I think we got a steal! Allen worked out pretty good for the Vikes and KC’s defense sucked without him. One good Dlineman can make a huge diff…more so than a shutdown cornerback. Chump Bailey is a top corner but Denver’s D still sucked because they dont have anyone up front.
Look at the first 2 years of Burgess in Oakland, our run D wasnt any better but he got to the QB so often that it made our D looked better than it really was.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I think Ellis can still be effective personally. I’m not sure how good he’ll be against the run but its good that Brown will be behind him to protect him. Howard is going to light it up behind Seymour.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
From PFT….
Harrison: Seymour’s “not thrilled” with deal to Raiders
Posted by Tom Curran on September 7, 2009 9:55 PM ET
Retired safety Rodney Harrison told PFT Monday night that he has spoken to his former Patriots teammate and close friend Richard Seymour about the deal that sent Seymour to Oakland.
And?
“He’s not thrilled,” said Harrison, now an analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. “Who would be thrilled to go to the Oakland Raiders? Maybe somebody who’s happy to just get a chance but not a guy like Richard Seymour, a five-time Pro Bowler. For a veteran player to go to Oakland at this juncture it’s just difficult.
“Put yourself in his position,” Harrison added. “He’s going from a first-class organization to one of the worst in the NFL. You have the head coach fighting the assistant coaches, the owner involved in the day-to-day operations, guys who don’t believe in the quarterback. . . . Tom Brady to JaMarcus Russell? Come on. Is that something to look forward to? Why would he be excited?”
Asked if Seymour would report to the Raiders, Harrison said, “I don’t know that. Only Richard knows that. But I wouldn’t go to Oakland. There’s no way in the world I would go to Oakland. The only way I would report is if they promised they wouldn’t franchise me after this year.”
Seymour, who turns 30 in October, is due to become a free agent in March 2010.
Harrison acknowledged the sound business sense the deal made for both teams involved.
“It’s a great deal for the Raiders,” he said. “Combine Richard with Tommy Kelly on the defensive line, you have [Nnamdi] Asomugha in the secondary, there’s some talent there and you’ve brought in a player who knows how to win and be a professional.
“And you look at the move made by [Patriots head coach Bill] Belichick, and you can see him saying, ‘I’d rather get rid of a guy before the last year of his contract.’ He knows the Raiders will stink so it’s a top-10 pick in return for a guy who’s gonna be 30. You know what? That’s the business.
“The trade off is, guys get to win championships and make a lot of money, but at the end, it’s business. I knew that and instead of my getting whacked [by New England], I whacked myself. If you make money and you’re older, it’s inevitable you’re gonna get whacked.”
So that’s what happened to Randy Hanson.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
More sh@t about the Raiders. I hope he reports and sees the improvement here, and than will want to stay.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Well Rodney Harrisson just lost respect from millions of Americans everywhere. To many arrogant a-holes playing football these days. Ask any common man on the streets if he would play football for the 0-16 Detroit Lions for even 1-2 hundred thousand a year and guess what everyone of them will say yes. But we got these high profile athletes and u ask them if they will play football for 4-15 million a year for a bad team and they want to pitch a fit. Its ridiculous. Yes everyone playing sports anywhere wants to win and yes it hurts peoples pride to lose but I tell you what a cool 4-15 million a year sure would make me feel better. A lot of athletes these days need to grow up and be appreciative of the fact they make more money in 1 year than most Americans make their whole lifetimes. I would gladly give away a job im happy at making 25-45thousand a year for 1 year hating work every day on a bad football team for 4 million dollars
September 7th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Noshadowking Says:
September 7th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
A lot of athletes these days need to grow up and be appreciative of the fact they make more money in 1 year than most Americans make their whole lifetimes. I would gladly give away a job im happy at making 25-45thousand a year for 1 year hating work every day on a bad football team for 4 million dollars
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Good post, for 4 million i am sure you wouldnt have any problem being a good trooper… With the current state of the economy you would think these babies would soldier and keep their mouth shut…
September 7th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
“Put yourself in his position,” Harrison added. “He’s going from a first-class organization to one of the worst in the NFL. You have the head coach fighting the assistant coaches, the owner involved in the day-to-day operations, guys who don’t believe in the quarterback. . . . Tom Brady to JaMarcus Russell? Come on. Is that something to look forward to? Why would he be excited?”
Harrison acknowledged the sound business sense the deal made for both teams involved.
“It’s a great deal for the Raiders,” he said. “Combine Richard with Tommy Kelly on the defensive line, you have [Nnamdi] Asomugha in the secondary, there’s some talent there and you’ve brought in a player who knows how to win and be a professional.
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May not like the messenger, but can’t say I disagree with any of it.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Ellis, Bryant, Kelly, and Seymour.
I want to see it. Please, God.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I wonder where he got ‘guys that don’t believe in the quarterback’ from?
Tell us some more Rod.
Anyway, it sucks but its understandable Seymour’s feelings. But who cares. They all changes with the color of money.(and wins).
For the first time in a very long time I can see a big time acquisition making a major difference for the ball club. And if they start winning because of it, Seymour only increases his stature, and he’ll be on board.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Of course he couldn’t resist himself with the I whacked myself commen. LMFAO!
So Rodney, you’re telling us that you cut yourself before the Pats traded you to a team like the Raiders? Is that what you’re telling yourself? LMFAO!
And you’re recommending your good friend Richard do the same? Just sit at the house? Too funny!
September 7th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Noshadowking Says:
too much…
i’m not listening to anyone who thinks the Raiders might get into the postseason as a wild card…
teams that make it as a wild card have 10-6, 11-5, sometimes 12-4 records…
if we get to the post-season, it’s because we won the division…
September 7th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Our primary goal is to win the AFC West.
It is simpler to win our division than to win a wild-card spot. The Raiders have more control over winning their division due to the fact we play six games within.
Our primary focus must be to defeat the SanDiego Chargers on MNF.
We play 3 Division games in only thirteen days, Sept 14-27.
last year we were 2-4 in the division, we were swept at home by all three, SD-KC-Den, we were swept by SD
we beat KC & Den on the road.
hypotheticaly a team loses twice to the same division opponent and that team finishes 7-7 besides sweeping you, the losing team has to finish 10-4 aside from being swept to win the division out right.
The Raiders must give it all they have the next three games especiaaly versus SD & with Mr. Seymour being teamed up with Mr. Nnamdi Asomugha & Co. we can stop the run, we can stop LT or Sproles, and we will defeat the Chargers.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
We’ve waited a long ass time for a DL like this guy. King Al is making it happen again for us all. The good times are coming guys, make no mistake. BTW, who cares what Rodney Harrison is saying? the guy was always and always will be a punkass,with the dolts and the pats! ITS ON this Monday dudes, Remember how we used to be on MNF!? This team will play their hearts out and it will kick asss!! long live oakland…
September 8th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Seymour is tainted goods and I really do not see him remaining in Oakland. I think that he will eventually come, but this is a 1-year rental. He doesn’t want to be here and these reports will only make it worse when he arrives. The media will fry him when he comes and this will make it worse for him. Seymour needs to clean this up fast.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:46 am
[...] McD: Why Seymour will end up a Raider Why Seymour will end up a Raider Why Seymour will end up a Raider – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highl… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]
September 8th, 2009 at 6:34 am
“The raiders are only going to get 3-5 years out of Seymour so more trades need to be made this year or next to solidify the defense. I would say good players need to be drafted but we usually dont seem to draft players who make an impact right away. Having said that everyone said Nmadi was a reach and now even the idiots on bspn are saying he is the best cornerback in the league so their is a method to the madness.”
Thats an understatement. Al has overspent, but the real problem lies in the inability to draft legacy players and building them around players like Seymour. thats why its been dysfunctional, because Pro Bowl traded player couldnt get anybody worth a damn around him with this current team. The coaching scheme didnt fit any of the players (largely 2nd tier or fast special team/journeymen, not starters). I ve seen enough missed tackles to know that they will still need a linebacker, hard hitting safety (unless mitchell is the real deal) and run stuffing DT, then A SCHEME THAT ACTUALLY USES THESE pieces. sigh.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Thanks Jerry. Love reading your insight and input.