Raiders Rumors: Losing Shane Lechler to Texans Won’t Hurt Oakland in 2013

Shane Lechler has been one of the top players on the Oakland Raiders for over a decade, but losing him in 2013 to the Houston Texans would be better for the team in the long haul.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, via ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, "The Raiders are interested in bringing back Lechler, but they have other needs as well. Schefter reported Lechler would be interested in joining the Texans. He is from Texas."



For Lechler, a move to his home state makes sense, and not just from a geographical perspective. He's at the end of his career, at the age of 36, and no doubt he would like another chance to play in some meaningful games before he retires.

Oakland is still at least two or three years away from being a playoff contender.

Letting Lechler and his big salary walk to Texas (or any other team) would allow the Raiders to invest money into other positions of need and potentially shorten the team's difficult climb back to the top of the mountain.



Speaking of investing money in positions of need, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports:



Signing a savvy veteran to play on the defensive line would be a terrific move.

Jenkins is a disruptive defensive tackle who would fill in nicely for Desmond Bryant (should the Raiders lose him to free agency) at a fraction of the cost. 

The truth of the matter is that while having a top punter is desirable, Lechler isn't the player that will turn Oakland's fortunes around.

The legendary punter will command a pretty penny, and Oakland would be better served by spending money on other players that can make a more meaningful impact in 2013 and beyond. 

 

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78 

Read more Oakland Raiders news on BleacherReport.com

...

About the Author