MVN: Most Valuable Network

As of right now, there are 22 Oakland Raiders who are free agents of one type pf another. The biggest names are Nnamdi Asomugha, Jerry Porter, Justin Fargas, and Daunte Culpepper. Lesser names who are important role players include Chris Carr, Chris Clemons, John Condo, Isaiah Ekejiuba, and Jerrod Cooper. Lane Kiffin and Al Davis are certainly crafting a plan as to which of them to keep, and which to let walk. This is the first crucial stage of the offseason building plan for 2008.

Unrestricted Free Agents: An unrestricted free agent is a true free agent, they can sign with any team with no compensation going to the Raiders, with the exception of a possible compensatory pick from the league in 2009.

Nnamdi Asomugha: Asomugha voided the final year of his rookie contract, thus becoming eligible to become a free agent. He is one of the top cover corners in the league, and the Raiders will keep him one way or another. Lane Kiffin has already said that the Raiders have been in talks with his agent on a long term deal, which would be great as it would eliminate the drama that surrounds the use of one of the franchise tag designations.

Chris Clemons: Clemons was a pleasant surprise for the Raiders defense as he tied for the team lead in sacks. Clemons had a solid season, but did not get any buzz over it, look for the Raiders to attempt to resign him to a moderate contract.

Jerrod Cooper: Coop's absence during periods last season showed his importance to the Raiders special teams unit. Coop wants to remain a Raider, and the Raiders need him on special teams. Look for a low cost contract to be worked out that makes both sides happy.

Daunte Culpepper: Culpepper did not look like the Culpepper of old. The Raiders have JaMarcus Russell as their starter next year, and 'Pepper wants to start. Look for him to be elsewhere for 2008.

Tim Dwight: Dwight was brought in midseason to fill the void left by the failed Mike Williams experiment. If he is brought back, he will likely have to earn his way in camp.

Justin Fargas: Fargas is the biggest free agent on the offensive side of the ball. He broke out last year and had career highs in every rushing category. His history of injury problems and his being a late bloomer will likely mute some of the demand for him from other teams. Expect him to get a good size raise, but not a monopoly money contract and return to the Silver and Black.

Cornell Green: Green was the weak link on the Raiders' improved offensive line. They got better when he went down and Paul McQuistan took over. Look for Green to not return to the Raiders.

Tommy Kelly: Prior to his injury, Kelly was the most consistent performer along the Raiders defensive line. Look for his injury to drive down demand and him to return to the Raiders for less than eh may have gotten otherwise.

ReShard Lee: Lee spent the season on the IR. He may be brought back on the cheap to compete in camp. Either way, not much of a gain or loss.

Josh McCown: McCown spent a bulk of the season being the most reviled player on the Raider roster, but as the season wound down he got more respect from the Nation. He has already said in the media that he would be interested in returning as a backup and mentor for Russell. Its not like McCown's performances will get him any real looks as a starter, so look for him to be on the sideline next year conversing with Russell.

Jeremy Newberry: Newberry's veteran leadership was a key cog in turning the line around last year. The question is whether or not his glass knees have another year in them. Can Jake Grove regain his starting spot? Do the Raiders look for a center in FA? Look for Newberry to come back on the cheap to compete.

Jerry Porter: Porter has never lived up to his own hype. He will be elsewhere next season for much less than he thinks he deserves.

Restricted Free Agents: A restricted free agent can sign with another team, but the Raiders would have the right to match any offer. If the Raiders choose not to match the offer, they receive corresponding draft picks from the team that signs the player.

Chris Carr: Carr has not emerged as the home run threat on returns that he looked to become after making the team as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State. He does have value as a versatile reserve defensive back. He is not starter material at any position in the defensive backfield, but he can play corner or safety as a fill in. He is for the Raiders what Marco Scutaro was to the A's. Carr has come through in the clutch with the big play, and can fill multiple roles on defense. Look for him to be likely resigned, and have to fight for his roster spot in training camp.

Isaiah Ekejiuba: Ekejiuba is a key member of the Raiders' special teams unit. His loss to injury mixed with the loss of Jerrod Cooper led to the coverage team meltdown at the end of the season. Look for him to be brought back at a low cost deal and have to re-prove his worth come camp time.

Josh Shaw: He may or may not be brought back. He did not do anything last season. Look for him to likely be camp fodder at best if he returns.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents: These guys have had their contract expire and have less than three years of credited service. They essentially have no bargaining power, but can become unrestricted free agents if they are not offered a contract.

Jon Alston: He is seen as someone who has the potential to become a solid LB in the league, he will likely be brought back to prove himself in camp.

Rickey Brown: He is the third member of the Raiders "Bermuda Triangle" on special teams along with Ekejiuba and Cooper. He will have to prove himself in camp, as he is a special team player only.

Jon Condo: Condo is the most underrated player on the Raiders special teams units. He is the long snapper, and he is able to get down field in a hurry and make the tackle. Look for him to be locked up to a long term deal.

Hiram Eugene: He will most likely return to compete in camp. There is no reason not to. He started a couple of games this season ahead of Stuart Schweigert, but showed that he was prone to becoming road kill at the hands of opposing running backs.

John Madsen: Madsen has made the transition from wide receiver to tight end well, and has shown flashes of potential. Look for him to be brought back to a longer term deal to be the #2 tight end behind Zach Miller.

Chris McFoy: McFoy spent most of last year on the practice squad, but saw some game time late in the season. Thus far the play he is best known for is dropping a pass from JaMarcus Russell. Look for him to be in camp next year.