Raiders Restructure Contracts; Sign Up Jeremy Newberry
By Michael Williams (4/3/2007)
The Oakland Raiders have signed up Jeremy Newberry on a one year contract worth $1.5 million. With this contract, the Raiders are hoping to bolster their offense which has been struggling quite a bit.
In 2001-02, Newberry was a Pro-Bowler while he was with San Francisco. However, he spent the entire season last year on the injured reserve list because of an injury to his left knee. Newberry has just played 11 games in the last three seasons because of various injuries. This does not seem to worry the Raiders too much. In fact, they are hoping that Newberry will help the offensive line. In the past, Newberry has played center, tackle and guard. The Raiders can use him for any of those positions.
The Raiders went ahead and made some salary cap room by restructuring contracts of LaMont Jordan and Ronald Curry. Under the new deal, Jordan will get $1.75 million less on his roster bonus. Before the restructuring, Jordan was receiving $4.75 million roster bonus. While Curry has signed a five year contract is could be worth up to $20 million and it includes $5 million guaranteed money.
Coach Lane Kiffin said that the Raiders had to find ways and means of improving and building up the team and therefore, it was important to have Jordan and Curry’s contracts settled. Kiffin said he was looking forward to working with Jordan and Curry and introducing them to the changes that the offense would have.
Jerry Porter is expected to return as starter. This is good news for Porter as he spent most of the last season on the bench after having a feud with the previous coach, Art Shell. |