Almost by definition, free agency involves adding players that have been let go, for one reason or another, by other teams. But the Raiders are taking things a little too far, seemingly building their team around veteran players that are simply unwanted by their former teams -- and in most cases, unwanted by anyone else.
Oakland is trading for Matt Schaub, who the Texans benched last year for Case Keenum. Just a year ago, they traded for Matt Flynn, who the Seahawks benched for Russell Wilson. In the case of the 33-year-old (in June) Schaub, the Browns were reportedly interested in him, so Oakland needed to swing a trade to ensure they got him. But his contract calls for him to make $11 million in 2014, a hefty price for a marginal veteran passer.
The Raiders will protect Schaub's blindside with 31-year-old Donald Penn, released by the Bucs when they signed Anthony Collins in free agency. Penn is an OK tackle, but he's not as good, or as young, as Jared Veldheer (27 in June), who was allowed to leave in free agency and immediately signed by Arizona.
The top running back will be Darren McFadden, who generated little interest in free agency -- the Raiders brought him back for $1.75 million, although it's worth "up to $4 million" if he meets certain incentives (most likely staying healthy).
At wideout, the Raiders added James Jones, the former Packer who generated little to no interest on the open market. Oakland is giving him $11 million over the next three years, but it's debatable if he's better than the receivers already on the roster (Denarius Moore, Rod Streater, Andre Holmes).
Unless all of these veterans dramatically exceed expectations -- including those of the teams that either let them go without a fight or were actually happy to be rid of them -- the Raiders will be blowing things up with a new GM and new coaching staff next season. And a lot of these players will be available in free agency again.
--Andy Richardson