Former Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore never found a place within defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.’s unit.
Head coach Jack Del Rio addressed the media with a blunt statement that indicates Moore quickly fell out of favor with the influx of talent on the roster, per CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair.
“Moore wouldn’t have been here, even if that trade didn’t happen. Head coach Jack Del Rio made that clear after practice, when he discussed the trade for the first time. He wasn’t going to make our team,” Del Rio said. “We had depth there that we’re really happy about.”
In previous press conferences, Del Rio’s words didn’t come through as clear as in the above quote, but the coaching staff saw something or didn’t see enough of something in Moore to keep him around.
There’s no reason to question the acumen of Del Rio and Norton, as former Pro Bowl linebackers. Nonetheless, Moore led the Raiders in sacks over the last two seasons (7.5) and ranked second in total tackles (138) behind safety Charles Woodson (208).
His production and energy only amounted to a sixth-round draft pick acquired from the Indianapolis Colts, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
For the right to trade for former #Raiders OLB Sio Moore, the #Colts give up a 6th round pick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2015 The deal sounds like a bargain, but options left the coaching staff with limited choices. Take the deal or release the player and get absolutely nothing for him.
It’s ok to question the move as risky, but this isn’t Madden 2016 where users can finagle all types of trades. The Raiders made their lack of interest in Moore clear by his limited playing time during the preseason. Staffers from other NFL teams watch games as well and knew they wouldn’t have t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
