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After clearing enough cap space to join in free agency, the Oakland Raiders have targeted a veteran cornerback.

According to an NFL source, the Raiders will visit Thursday with former St. Louis cornerback Ronald Bartell. I think a fairly fast deal between Bartell and the Raiders is possible.

Bartell was cut by St. Louis in a salary-cap move. He played just one game last season due to an injury. But the seventh-year Howard product has started 66 NFL games. He is known for his cover skills, but he is not a real interception threat. He has eight interceptions in his career.

Bartell would be a solid addition to a defense that is desperate for help at cornerback. The Raiders don’t have any starting-quality cornerbacks with experience on the roster. Safety Michael Huff could be moved to corner and second-year player DeMarcus Van Dyke may get a chance to start.

Oakland is also visiting with Houston guard Mike Brisiel.

As expected, the Raiders have begun the restructuring process of contracts as they work to get under the salary cap by Tuesday.

Oakland will restructure several more contracts and may cut a player or two if a restructuring can’t be agreed upon. Oakland reportedly restructured the deals for defensive lineman Richard Seymour and defensive back Michael Huff. They were two of the major candidates for restructuring.

Reportedly, Seymour lowered his $7.5 million base salary to $925,000 and turned the rest into a roster bonus that will be spread out over the remaining years of the contract. Another year was tacked on to his deal to make it work. Yet, the reality is, Seymour is probably year-to-year with the Raiders after this season. Remember, Stanford Routt had years added to his deal last year and he was cut last month.

Huff reportedly had two years added to his deal to make his restructure work. The two moves saved the Raiders about $11 million in cap room. Earlier this week, they were $20 million over the cap and that was before they committed $6.2 million to safety Tyvon Branch when they gave him the franchise tag.

Expect quarterback Carson Palmer to soon restructure his deal in addition to some other players. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley remains a prime candidate to be cut if a new deal isn’t struck. As of Wednesday, there hasn’t been any progress made and those close to Wimbley thought it was likely he would be cut. Yet, Wimbley remains open to being creative. Whatever happens, expect Oakland to be cap compliant by Tuesday’s deadline.

In other AFC West notes:

First Take debates the Broncos’ interest in Peyton Manning and what it means to Tim Tebow. Meanwhile, a Denver columnist doesn’t think Manning is a good fit for the Broncos.

USC pass-rusher Nick Perry could be a target of the Chargers at No.8. It makes sense since he’d reunite with a former coach there.

Oakland defensive back Michael Huff tweeted that he had a productive talk with new Oakland coach Dennis Allen, and Huff said he is excited for Allen’s plans on defense. That could be an indication the Raiders will figure out a way to restructure Huff's contract if he is not cut.

Allen said last week at the NFL combine that he could see a scenario where Huff is moved from safety to cornerback. Allen said it will depend on what the Raiders do in the secondary in the offseason.

Allen said Huff has the skill set of a corner. Huff played cornerback at Texas. The previous regime had reportedly planned to move Huff from safety to cornerback for the 2012 season. Huff has tweeted recently that he is willing to play whatever position that helps Oakland win.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Raiders are more than $20 million over the salary cap with free agency starting in 13 days. The Oakland Tribune looks at some ways the Raiders could get under the cap. The Raiders will get under the cap, but the question is will they be able to do it without chopping any more players.

Cornerback Stanford Routt was cut earlier this month. If Oakland does cut some more players, the candidates could include linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Aaron Curry, defensive linemen John Henderson and Tommy Kelly and defensive back Michael Huff.

Will the Raiders franchise either safety Tyvon Branch or running back Michael Bush by Monday’s deadline, considering their salary-cap issues? I believe Branch has a better chance of sticking in Oakland, either via the franchise tag or as an unrestricted free agent. He fills a more immediate need than Bush, who is a backup in Oakland.

Meanwhile, in an Insider piece, Todd McShay explains that several cornerbacks did well at the combine. That represents both good and bad news for the Raiders. It’s good that the cornerback class is deep since it is the Raiders’ biggest need. However, the Raiders’ top pick will not be higher than No. 97, unless they can trade up. So, the Raiders have to hope all of the better cornerbacks didn’t boost their value beyond that range.

In other AFC West news:

Denver quarterback Tim Tebow has said he often talks to New York Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin and that the two can relate because of the immense attention they both receive. "First Take" debates the relationship in this video.

Here are some defensive backs that caught the eye of the Broncos during the combine.

FoxSports.com thinks the Broncos may be the mystery team that wants Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. I don’t think it’s a mystery. I think the Broncos love Griffin. But they would have a terrible time getting all the way up from No. 25 to No. 2 to get the pick from the Rams. I highly doubt Denver will find a way to draft RG3, a player it extensively followed last season.

Don’t be surprised if Tampa Bay shows interest in Denver free-agent receiver Eddie Royal. The Buccaneers are expected to look for a slot receiver and return man. Denver will likely not make a huge push to keep Royal.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen met the media on Friday. Here are some highlights:

New defensive coordinator Jason Tarver will call the plays. Tarver was the co-defensive coordinator at Stanford last year and called some plays for the Cardinal.

The Raiders have not decided whether they will run a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense. Tarver said that decision will be made after free agency and after the draft, when the Raiders know exactly who is on the team. He said the Raiders will use many multiple sets and will employ both the 4-3 and 3-4 at times. He said several current players on the roster are for the 3-4 schemes.

Moving safety Michael Huff to cornerback is an option. However, Huff could be a salary-cap cut, although Allen declined to talk about specific candidates. The Raiders have some work to do to get under the cap, but Allen expects to do some things in free agency. Still, he admitted the Raiders may not be in play for the bigger names in free agency, though they could still get some quality veterans.

Allen said he thinks Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer will fit the West Coast offense used by new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. Allen said he thinks Palmer is as athletic as Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, who did well in Knapp's offense. Expect Oakland to use the zone-blocking scheme, as well. Allen made it clear that the coaching staff wants to put players in the best system so they can succeed.

The Raiders’ offense is set. Most of the improvement will need to be made on defense.

The team is looking at the practice surface at their facility to see if it needs to be changed. Oakland suffered several foot-related injuries last year.

The new regime will look at 40-yard dash times only in a tiebreaker between two good players. In the past, speed always ruled the world during the Al Davis era. It’s clear there is a new dawn in Oakland.

NFL.com's Jason La Canfora expects Vincent Jackson to stay in San Diego, perhaps after being franchised. I believe the Chargers could give him the franchise tag, but they’d rather not because they have other goals and tagging JAckson would cost $13.7 million this season.

Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie indicated that more players could be cut in Oakland as the Raiders adjust their salary cap. Cornerback Stanford Routt has already been cut and he signed with Kansas City. Among the candidates to be cut or have their contracts restructured include safety Michael Huff, defensive linemen John Henderson and Tommy Kelly and linebacker Aaron Curry.

The Chargers could potentially move down from No. 18 to compile more picks.

Carolina has signed former San Diego pass-rusher Jyles Tucker. He reunites with former San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who is the Panthers’ head coach.

New Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie isn’t wasting much time shaping his roster and his first move was to cut cornerback Stanford Routt, one of the team’s better defensive players. It might have been necessary as McKenzie reshapes the team’s salary cap.

The Raiders signed Routt to a three-year, $31.5 million deal, with $20 million in guaranteed money, last February, essentially choosing Routt over Nnamdi Asomugha, who is considered one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Asomugha walked to the Eagles as a free agent.

Routt’s deal was later restructured to five years and $54.5 million, with the $20 million in guarantees — of which $10 million was reportedly to kick in this year.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that this move will cost Oakland $2.2 million in salary-cap space in 2012. The exact cap figure has yet to be figured, but the Raiders will have to make other moves.

This move might be an indication that Oakland is going to be aggressive in making cuts. It will have to go get help in several years in free agency – beginning with possibly two cornerbacks — and it has free-agent priorities in running back Michael Bush and safety Tyvon Branch. One of those two will likely be given the franchise tag.

You have to wonder what other high-dollar Raiders could be on the chopping block. Among those who have signed big recent contracts are defensive lineman Richard Seymour, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive back Michael Huff. Other players who could be candidates for restructuring or to be cut to save cap room include defensive tackle John Henderson, linebacker Aaron Curry and guard Cooper Carlisle.

Many around the NFL scoffed at Routt's big contract — and it is clear McKenzie is in that camp.

Routt is a decent player, but he is probably best suited to be a No. 2 cornerback. He was better playing alongside Asomugha than he was as the team's No. 1 corner. Routt was solid in coverage, but was penalized 17 times and gave up eight touchdowns, tied for the second-highest total in the NFL last season.

Still, the release of Routt is risky because the Raiders now don’t have any reliable cornerbacks on the roster. They hope to develop young players DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa; perhaps Huff will be moved to cornerback. The Raiders have a small draft class, so most of their additions at the position will probably come through free agency.

Among the top cornerbacks available in free agency (depending on who is given the franchise tag) will be Atlanta’s Brent Grimes, Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan and Kansas City’s Brandon Carr. A name to keep an eye on is New Orleans’ Tracy Porter, who played under new coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans.

This move doesn’t hurt Routt, 28, much. He was paid an enormous amount last season and now becomes one of the better cornerbacks available. Plus he gets jump on free agency, free to sign with a team at any time.

He could help all three of the other teams in the AFC West as a No. 2 cornerback, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver, Kansas City and San Diego all look at him.

Here are three Oakland players who could be affected by the hiring of Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as head coach:


Michael Huff, defensive back: It was reported right after the season that the Raiders would move Huff from safety to cornerback. However, that was when Hue Jackson was the coach; all bets are off now. Allen was a standout safety at Texas A&M and was a secondary coach during his stint with the New Orleans Saints. I could see Huff staying at safety, but it will be interesting to see what Allen does with him.


Kamerion Wimbley, linebacker: Denver pass-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil excelled under Allen. Wimbley has a lot of ability and he can take over games, but the Raiders need to see him do it more often than he did last season. Wimbley had seven sacks in 2011, but four of them came in one game at San Diego. It’s inexcusable that someone with Wimbley’s ability had sacks in just four games last season.


Rolando McClain, linebacker: Allen needs to take McClain under his wing. The No. 8 overall pick in 2010 has potential — but he has a long way to go to become a consistent player. McClain is not terrible, but he needs some good coaching and it will be worth Allen’s time to work with McClain.

The Oakland Tribune is reporting that coach Hue Jackson will move safety Michael Huff to cornerback for the 2012 season.

Huff is a versatile player who played some cornerback in college at Texas. He has occasionally played cornerback in Oakland, usually in nickel situations.

It’s an interesting decision. I think I’m most struck by the timing of it. The Raiders’ season ended two days ago.

The Raiders could fire defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and hire a new coordinator. You would think the new coordinator would have a say in that division. Also, you would think the Raiders could go through free agency and the draft (although they don’t have many picks) before deciding exactly what the lineup is going to look like.

So, I could see the division being a tentative plan predicated on upcoming moves.

If Huff does move, then safety will be a need for the Raiders.

I have no doubt Huff can play cornerback and he will be an upgrade over several players Oakland used opposite Stanford Routt in the first year without Nnandi Asomugha, who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent. Still, I’m not sure if Huff will be a Pro Bowl-level cornerback.

Also, what does this decision mean for 2011 draft picks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa? The team has to make sure they continue to develop these players, although Chekwa could also play safety.

Again, it’s early and plenty will happen in the coming months, but this move is a sign that Jackson is willing to think about everything as he moves forward.

UPDATE: Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. gave me his thoughts on the move: "When he came into the league, many were really high on him because they thought he could do both and be a real strong hybrid type at both positions. But the Raiders play a ton of man coverage. If he were going to excel at cornerback, I would think it would be in much more of a softer zone scheme. He will be physical with his initial jam, but I worry about his turn-and-run skills for man coverage."

DENVER -- As expected, Denver safety Brian Dawkins is inactive against Kansas City. He has a neck injury that kept him out of practice all week.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that running back Ryan Mathews will not play Sunday. He has been bothered by a calf injury. Mathews had a breakout season in his second NFL season. He had 1,091 yards rushing and he averaged 4.9 per carry.

As expected, Oakland receiver Jacoby Ford and safety Michael Huff are active and expected to play against San Diego.

San Diego linebackers coach Chuck Pagano is expected to take the UCLA defensive coordinator job.

Denver safety Brian Dawkins is doubtful for Sunday's game against Kansas City with a neck injury that has been bothering him for several weeks.

He did not practice all week. It will be up to rookies Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore to anchor the defense in a critical game against the Chiefs. Denver will win the AFC West with a victory over the Chiefs and former Denver quarterback Kyle Orton.

If Denver losses, we may not see Dawkins in a Denver uniform again. He is 38 and there is concern in Denver about the neck injury. He has been the unquestioned leader of the team since he arrived as a free agent from Philadelphia in 2009.

For Kansas City, running back Jackie Battle (foot) is out and safety Jon McGraw (ankle) is doubtful to play Sunday.

In Oakland, the Raiders’ injury situation is status quo.

For San Diego, receiver Vincent Jackson is practicing for the first time this week and running backs Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert are not. Tolbert missed the entire week of practice. Mathews worked Thursday. I could see all three of these players having limited roles in a must-win for Oakland and a get-away game for the eliminated Chargers.

UPDATE: As expected Oakland running back Darren McFadden (foot) and defensive tackle John Henderson (knee) are out. Receiver Jacoby Ford (foot) and safety Michael Huff (hamstring) are questionable. They were limited in practice all week.

In San Diego, Tolbert ended up practicing. He and Jackson are probable and Mathews is questionable.

As was the case Wednesday, Oakland receiver Jacoby Ford and safety Michael Huff practiced Thursday and running back Darren McFadden did not. Ford and Huff are expected to play against San Diego on Sunday and McFadden is not expected to play.

• Denver safety Brian Dawkins is not practicing for the second straight day because of a neck injury. His chances of playing Sunday against Kansas City may be dwindling. Kansas City running back Jackie Battle did not practice for the second straight day because of a foot injury. He is doubtful to play against Denver.
• San Diego running back Ryan Mathews returned to practice Thursday after he sat out Wednesday with a calf injury. However, receiver Vincent Jackson (groin) and running back Mike Tolbert (hamstring) are out for the second straight day. With the Chargers out of the playoff picture, it will be interesting to see if Jackson and Tolbert play Sunday in a huge game for Oakland.
• Meanwhile, the Raiders’ game Sunday is sold out. The Raiders sold out every game this season for the first time they moved back from Los Angeles in 1995. Kudos, Raiders Nation.
• Former San Diego star running back LaDainian Tomlinson said he may be preparing for his final NFL game. He was spent the past two seasons with the Jets after playing for the Chargers from 2001-09.
• An ESPN Insider piece believes the Broncos’ have been pushed by luck this season.

The Oakland Raiders received some great injury news Wednesday as they begin the work week of the franchise’s biggest game since the Super Bowl in January, 2003.

The Oakland Tribune reports spark plug receiver/returner Jacoby Ford is practicing Wednesday. It is Ford’s first practice since he was injured at San Diego on Nov. 10. Barring a setback, Ford should be ready to play in a must-win game for the Raiders on Sunday at home against the Chargers. The Raiders are alive in both the AFC West and in the wild-card race.

The newspaper reported Ford, who was out with a foot sprain, was participating in all the drills. His return should spark a passing game, especially since quarterback Carson Palmer will be working with a healthy receiving crew for the first time in several weeks.

As expected, Darren McFadden is not practicing. The running back has been out since Oct. 23 with a foot injury. He has not been ruled out of the San Diego game, but there are indications he is unlikely to play Sunday.

Safety Michael Huff is back at practice. However, defensive tackle John Henderson was not practicing nor was defensive lineman Richard Seymour.

In other AFC West news:

Denver linebacker Von Miller fell to No. 2 in ESPN.com’s rookie watch. Carolina quarterback Cam Newton rose to No. 1. Fittingly, Newton was the No. 1 pick in the draft and Miller was the No. 2 pick in the draft.

As expected, Denver safety Brian Dawkins was held out of the Broncos’ practice Wednesday. He has been dealing with it for several weeks and he had to leave Saturday’s game at Buffalo with the injury.

There will be no Christmas Eve injury miracle for the Oakland Raiders.

As expected, running back Darren McFadden (foot), receiver Jacoby Ford (foot), defensive tackle John Henderson (knee) and safety Michael Huff (hamstring) have all been ruled out for Saturday’s game at Kansas City. None of the players were expected to come back, but Oakland coach Hue Jackson did not rule them out as of Thursday.

McFadden has been out since he was injured against the Chiefs on Oct. 23. There is an outside chance he could play next week against San Diego. His best bet is likely to hope to play in the playoffs if the 7-7 Raiders get there.

The Raiders – one of the best running teams in the NFL – are thin at the position going into the game. Michael Bush has been limited all week in practice and he is questionable with a shoulder injury. Rookie backup Taiwan Jones has also been limited in workouts with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable. Expect both of those players to play Saturday, but they could be favoring their injuries.

In other AFC West news:

Kansas City safety Jon McGraw (ankle) is out for the Oakland game while center Casey Wiegmann (calf) is probable. Wiegmann was limited in practice all week.

With Houston losing on Thursday night, Denver – if it wins its last two games – could be in line to be the No. 3 seed. Thus, if another AFC West team made the playoffs as a wild card, we could have an all-AFC West divisional game. How nuts would that be? Check out all the possibilities on ESPN’s Playoff Machine.

Denver safety Brian Dawkins is listed as questionable to play at Buffalo on Saturday. He was limited all week with a neck injury that kept him out of the New England game last week.

Pro Football Focus offers its AFC Pro Bowl team. There’s a decent AFC West representation

Oakland safety Jerome Boyd was fined $20,000 and linebacker Aaron Curry was docked $7,500 for actions in the Raiders’ 28-27 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

San Diego star receiver Vincent Jackson missed his second consecutive day of practice Thursday with a groin injury. The team is hoping he can play Saturday at Detroit. Linebacker Travis LaBoy, suffering from a knee injury, also missed practice for the second day in a row. Defensive tackle Antonio Garay was limited Thursday with a toe injury after he didn’t practice Wednesday.

In other AFC West news:

Oakland coach Hue Jackson has not ruled running back Darren McFadden, receiver Jacoby Ford, safety Michael Huff and defensive tackle John Henderson out of Saturday’s game at Kansas City. Still, it doesn’t look good that any of them will play.

Kansas City center Casey Wiegmann (calf) and safety Jon McGraw (ankle) were limited in practice for the second straight day.

Former Kansas City defensive coordinator and current Detroit defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham talked about the evolution of Antonio Gates’ game. Heading into his Chargers' game at Detroit on Saturday, the tight end is three catches from becoming San Diego's all-time leading receiver. He will get his chance to set the record in his hometown this weekend.

Denver safety Brian Dawkins was limited in practice for the second consecutive day after missing Sunday’s game against New England with a neck injury.