The Raiders caught the league's attention when they released Dominic Rhodes and his $1.75 million contract Monday. Many figured LaMont Jordan would be the first to go with his $4.7 million owed this season.
Rhodes helped explain the move during an interview on Sirius Satellite Radio on Tuesday.
He said that when he restructured his contract two months ago, it was with the understanding the Raiders would release him if they drafted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.
The Raiders did pick McFadden, so Rhodes got his wish. They informed him Sunday of his release, which then came Monday.
"We had like a stable full of running backs that are capable," Rhodes said. "We went and drafted a guy that - he's a great runner, don't get me wrong - but I don't understand the logic behind it.
"I don't really think that (coach) Lane Kiffin wanted to take a running back in the first round, let's just put it like that. He has to deal with it now, but I don't think that's what he wanted to do."
Rhodes left convinced that Kiffin isn't in control of much at all, at least in terms of personnel. Asked if Kiffin had a chance to succeed in Oakland, Rhodes said, "I don't know, man. It's going to be hard. He's put in all these different bad situations to where he doesn't have a chance, you know? When you know you need to stop the run and you don't get anybody to stop the run.... He just doesn't really have a chance, because somebody else is in control all the time."
Speaking of Jordan: The Raiders are holding onto Jordan, a league source said, because some in the organization believe they can still get trade value for the man who ran for 1,025 yards in 2005.
At this point, teams are more likely to wait for Jordan's release so they can sign him to a cheaper deal.
Rookie crop grows: The Raiders added six undrafted free agents Tuesday, including Portland State quarterback Brian White, to make it 12 rookie signings since the draft ended Sunday.
They also signed Pittsburgh tight end Darrell Strong, Arizona State center/guard Brandon Rodd, Penn State fullback Matthew Hahn, Washington defensive end Greyson Gunheim (who is from Sebastopol) and Texas Southern defensive end Derrick Gray.
Still searching: The Raiders are expected to resume their search for a backup to quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They want to go into training camp with at least one proven arm to compete with fourth-year quarterback Andrew Walter.
A few names to watch:
-- Trent Dilfer: If the former 49ers backup is going to play another year, it'd be nice to stay close to home. The Raiders contacted him recently and he remains a serious candidate.
-- Daunte Culpepper: He started six games for the Raiders last season after signing with the team during training camp. If the Raiders aren't happy with their quarterback depth, he just might still be around.
-- Buccaneers' TBA: The Raiders are watching to see which of seven quarterbacks Tampa Bay releases before possibly making a move.
Original Story:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg....
Rhodes helped explain the move during an interview on Sirius Satellite Radio on Tuesday.
He said that when he restructured his contract two months ago, it was with the understanding the Raiders would release him if they drafted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.
The Raiders did pick McFadden, so Rhodes got his wish. They informed him Sunday of his release, which then came Monday.
"We had like a stable full of running backs that are capable," Rhodes said. "We went and drafted a guy that - he's a great runner, don't get me wrong - but I don't understand the logic behind it.
"I don't really think that (coach) Lane Kiffin wanted to take a running back in the first round, let's just put it like that. He has to deal with it now, but I don't think that's what he wanted to do."
Rhodes left convinced that Kiffin isn't in control of much at all, at least in terms of personnel. Asked if Kiffin had a chance to succeed in Oakland, Rhodes said, "I don't know, man. It's going to be hard. He's put in all these different bad situations to where he doesn't have a chance, you know? When you know you need to stop the run and you don't get anybody to stop the run.... He just doesn't really have a chance, because somebody else is in control all the time."
Speaking of Jordan: The Raiders are holding onto Jordan, a league source said, because some in the organization believe they can still get trade value for the man who ran for 1,025 yards in 2005.
At this point, teams are more likely to wait for Jordan's release so they can sign him to a cheaper deal.
Rookie crop grows: The Raiders added six undrafted free agents Tuesday, including Portland State quarterback Brian White, to make it 12 rookie signings since the draft ended Sunday.
They also signed Pittsburgh tight end Darrell Strong, Arizona State center/guard Brandon Rodd, Penn State fullback Matthew Hahn, Washington defensive end Greyson Gunheim (who is from Sebastopol) and Texas Southern defensive end Derrick Gray.
Still searching: The Raiders are expected to resume their search for a backup to quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They want to go into training camp with at least one proven arm to compete with fourth-year quarterback Andrew Walter.
A few names to watch:
-- Trent Dilfer: If the former 49ers backup is going to play another year, it'd be nice to stay close to home. The Raiders contacted him recently and he remains a serious candidate.
-- Daunte Culpepper: He started six games for the Raiders last season after signing with the team during training camp. If the Raiders aren't happy with their quarterback depth, he just might still be around.
-- Buccaneers' TBA: The Raiders are watching to see which of seven quarterbacks Tampa Bay releases before possibly making a move.
Original Story:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg....
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