After all, Oakland has suffered through 11 straight non-winning seasons, and 4-12 marks the last two years.
The Raiders are going to need a number of pieces to become competitive in the immediate future, especially with the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs all coming off of playoff campaigns.
A good place to start is the 2014 free-agency class and the upcoming NFL draft. Oakland has the most cap room in the entire NFL at more than $64 million per Albert Breer of the NFL Network (and more than $65 million per Spotrac.com):
Looking forward, any hopes of competing for a playoff spot in 2014 are more complicated than simply spending all of that money in free agency.
As mentioned, the division is loaded with playoff teams already, plus the Raiders will play the formidable NFC West this season. It’s hard to see Oakland racking up enough wins with that schedule, but adding pieces in the offseason will certainly help.
One thing Oakland has done in the offseason is offer contract tenders to six exclusive-rights free agents, including cornerback Chimdi Chekwa.
Here is a comprehensive look at the Raiders’ 2014 free agents:
Offseason Acquisitions
Rodger Saffold (OL)
Updates from Mar. 12
Oakland Tribune reporter Jerry McDonald reports that Saffold failed his physical and will not be signing:
Darren McFadden (RB)
In more pleasant news, Darren McFadden will be back in silver and gold next season. The 2008 first-round pick signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal that could be worth up to $4 million, per Schefter. The base of McFadden's deal is $1.75 million, with i...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
