AFC West: Samson Satele

The Raiders have re-signed right tackle Khalif Barnes. He started all 16 games in Oakland last season. The team may opt to give second-year player Joe Barksdale a chance to start. Barnes will provide excellent depth and insurance if that ends up being the case.

NFL Network reports the Raiders brought in former Packers defensive back Patrick Lee on a one-year deal. He played for new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie with the Packers. This move was strictly a depth and a special-teams signing.

The Colts have signed Oakland free-agent center Samson Satele. He was expected to return to Oakland. The Raiders are expected to move left guard Stefen Wisniewski to center and play former right guard Cooper Carlisle at left guard. Newly signed Mike Brisiel will play guard. Former Colts’ center Jeff Saturday is visiting Denver this week andmay be reunited with Peyton Manning.

In other AFC West news:

ESPNChicago.com is reporting Denver is visiting with former Chicago backup quarterback Caleb Hanie. The Colorado State product likely would be the No. 3 quarterback in Denver.

Former Kansas City receiver Joe Horn said the Chiefs had a bounty program when he was there and he said every NFL team has a program. I would be shocked if the NFL investigated the Chiefs based on Horn’s comments. He played for the Chiefs from 1996-99.
San Diego running back Mike Tolbert is in Carolina visiting with the Panthers, according to a league source.

If the visit goes well it is not out of the question that Tolbert signs with the Panthers in the next 24 hours. Unless there is a dramatic change of direction, it appears Tolbert’s days with the Chargers are over.

He was one of the team’s priorities, but talks have stalled. If the key backup leaves San Diego, the Chargers could turn to Kansas City’s Jackie Battle or Oakland’s Michael Bush to back up Ryan Mathews.

In other AFC West news:

Denver tight end Daniel Fells is visiting New England on Monday.

The Broncos have re-signed middle linebacker Joe Mays. He was a serviceable starter in 2011, starting 12 games. The team would like to see Nate Irving become a starter. If so, the 26-year-old Mays will still have value as a special-teamer.

Free-agent offensive lineman Samson Satele was arrested in Hawaii (where he lives in the offseason) on disorderly conduct charges, a petty misdemeanor. Satele played last season for Oakland, which may not bring him back in 2012.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Chiefs have visited with defensive lineman Luis Castillo. He was just cut by the Chargers.

The Chiefs will likely add to the defensive line in free agency and I wouldn’t be shocked if they added Castillo for depth. He has been a solid starter, but has been injury prone. The Chargers would like to re-sign Castillo at a reduced price.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Colts would be open to trading pass-rusher Dwight Freeney. The only possible fit in the AFC West is San Diego. The Chargers badly wants a pass-rusher and Freeney could be intriguing. They were interested in his teammate, Robert Mathis, before he re-signed with the Colts this week. If Freeney is fairly reasonably priced, I could see the Chargers showing interest.

In other AFC West news:

As expected, the Raiders announced quarterback Carson Palmer restructured his contract to help the team with its salary-cap situation.

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the Raiders aren’t expected to bring back free agents Jarvis Moss and Samson Satele. Moss is a bottom-of-the-roster type and the fact that Satele is not in the team’s plans could mean Stefen Wisniewski will play center. He was supposed to play there last year, but played guard instead and excelled there.

The Broncos are looking for a safety in free agency, but the pickings are slim.

The Chiefs have added Steven Smith as assistant offensive line coach. He was with Tennessee State last season.

Matt Williamson looks at the top 50 free agents Insider available. KC Joyner looks at the best values Insider in free agency and there is an AFC West flavor to it. Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. thinks Insider San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson is the biggest free-agent risk available. Still, I think plenty of teams will line up to take that risk.

Yahoo Sports is reporting Tennessee free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan is recruiting Jackson to go to the same team he does. The report speculates that team may be Tampa Bay. St. Louis could also be a possibility.
» AFC Free-Agency Primer: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET

Denver Broncos

Key free agents: K Matt Prater (franchised), DT Brodrick Bunkley, S Brian Dawkins, TE Daniel Fells, FB Spencer Larsen, WR Eddie Royal, QB Brady Quinn, DT Marcus Thomas, LB Wesley Woodyard, P Britton Colquitt (restricted).

Where they stand: The Broncos will have plenty of salary-cap room. For a team that went from 4-12 with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft to winning the AFC West and a playoff game in John Fox’s first season as coach, the Broncos are in position to improve through free agency. With Prater franchised, the team’s only priority unrestricted free agent is Bunkley.

What to expect: Don’t expect a huge spending spree. The Broncos are cash conscious and I think the franchise is still recovering from some undisciplined spending during the Mike Shanahan era that ended in 2008. We will see the Broncos try to add several pieces at lower prices. Denver could address needs at safety, running back, receiver, tight end, linebacker and quarterback. Keep an eye on players such as Washington safety LaRon Landry, Seattle tight end John Carlson, quarterbacks Chad Henne (Miami), Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh) or Josh Johnson (Tampa), running backs Michael Bush (Oakland) and Mike Tolbert (San Diego), and defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene Cincinnati.

Kansas City Chiefs

Key free agents: WR Dwayne Bowe (franchised), CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle, LB Jovan Belcher, S Jon McGraw, C Casey Wiegmann, RB Thomas Jones, DE Wallace Gilberry, DT Kelly Gregg

Where they stand: The Chiefs are in great shape on cap space even after signing cornerback Stanford Routt and franchising Bowe. They have already done a nice job in free agency with these two moves and have a good, young roster. Kansas City can become a serious playoff contender with the right moves. It is likely Carr will leave in free agency, but the Chiefs should be able to re-sign most of their other free agents if they wish.

What to expect: I’m not sure we will see the Chiefs break the bank for any of the super-hot free agents, but I expect them to do some significant shopping. I think we could see Kansas City look for help at nose tackle, linebacker, safety, tackle, running back and quarterback. Of course, the intrigue could start if the team gets in on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. But they could also look at several other quarterbacks, including Orton, Henne, Jason Campbell (Oakland) or even Quinn. They could also be in the mix for Miami nose tackle Paul Soliai, Saints guard Carl Nicks and running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England), Bush and Tolbert.

Oakland Raiders

Key free agents: S Tyvon Branch (franchised), RB Michael Bush, QB Jason Campbell, LB Quentin Groves, C Samson Satele, WR Chaz Schilens, DE Trevor Scott, FB Marcel Reece (restricted).

Where they stand: The Raiders are one of the few teams that must get under the salary cap. Oakland coach Dennis Allen recently acknowledged the team has work to do. The Raiders have some contracts that can be easily restructured, but they also may have to cut some players, particularly on defense. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive tackle John Henderson are among the top candidates.

What to expect: The Raiders likely face some limitations once they get under the cap, but they can add two or three starting-quality players under the right circumstances. Their primary needs are on defense, starting at cornerback and linebacker. The offensive line could be upgraded as well. I think they can be in on the second wave of cornerbacks. A player to watch is New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter, who previously played for Allen. There are some solid second-tier cornerbacks Oakland could be interested in other than Porter. There will be some good players available on both sides of the ball after the initial wave of free agency for short-term deals. Expect the Raiders to do some bargain picking during that time. I think Oakland will be interested in signing several of its free agents, but I expect Bush and Campbell will leave.

San Diego Chargers

Key free agents: WR Vincent Jackson, C Nick Hardwick, RB Tolbert, DT Antonio Garay, OT Jared Gaither, FB Jacob Hester.

Where they stand: The Chargers will be in decent shape and they are getting even better after cutting Luis Castillo, the retirement of guard Kris Dielman and the expected release of tackle Marcus McNeill. But San Diego still has a lot of work to do. They have the most priority free agents of any team in the division. Signing Jackson, Hardwick, Gaither, Tolbert and Garay will be a challenge.

What to expect: The Chargers will likely stick to their usual plan and concentrate first on their own free agents. But they also have other needs and they will likely spend more in free agency than they have done before under general manager A.J. Smith. I get the sense from some agents that the Chargers may spend wildy in an attempt to win back the fan base’s trust after the unpopular contract extensions for Smith and coach Norv Turner. The pair were brought back even after missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. I also get the sense from inside the organization, however, that the Chargers will not act out of desperation. Look for the team to consider pass-rushers, nose tackles, safeties and offensive linemen if Hardwick and Gaither aren’t brought back. A receiver will also become a major need if Jackson goes. The Colts' Reggie Wayne could be an option in that case. A running back such as Cadillac Williams (St. Louis) reportedly will be in the mix if Tolbert walks. Soliai could interest the team as well. Chicago special teams ace Corey Graham may also be a target. If the Chargers want to make a huge splash, they could try to get in on Houston pass-rusher Mario Williams, who is widely considered the best player on the market.

Early AFC West notes

December, 12, 2011
12/12/11
10:40
AM ET
It was a costly loss for Oakland in Green Bay. According to CSN Bay Area, receivers Chaz Schilens (foot) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (heel), center Samson Satele (shoulder) and free safety Michael Huff (hamstring) were unable to finish the Raiders’ 46-16 loss to the unbeaten Packers.

The status of those players will likely be updated during the week. Oakland was already without running backs Darren McFadden (foot) and Taiwan Jones (hamstring) and receivers Jacoby Ford (foot) and Denarius Moore (foot). All of those players hope to return soon.

Like a leader should, Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer took blame for the loss. Palmer threw four interceptions Sunday.

A Kansas City Star columnist thinks the Chiefs need to fire coach Todd Haley. I don’t agree, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Haley is entering his final days as the Chiefs’ coach.

Wrap-up: Raiders 27, Vikings 21

November, 20, 2011
11/20/11
5:53
PM ET

A look at a fortunate day for the Oakland Raiders in the Twin Cities as they beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-21.

What it means: The Raiders are now 6-4, and they will remain in first place in the AFC West regardless of the rest of the action in the division in Week 11. Denver is 5-5, and San Diego and Kansas City are 4-5.

Survival: The Raiders looked great in the first two quarters against the undermanned Vikings, who fell to 2-8. Oakland scored 24 unanswered points and led 24-7 at the half. Yet the Vikings came back thanks to several Oakland penalties. Had the Vikings not been mistake-prone (they committed five turnovers, including two interceptions that were deep in Oakland’s territory), they could have won this game. The Raiders need to find a way to play a complete game moving forward, but they'll take a win.

Spreading the ball around: In his third Oakland start, quarterback Carson Palmer had his moments, especially in the first half. He ended up 17-of-23 passing for 164 yards. It was a great sign that Palmer spread the ball around. He completed passes to seven different receivers and hit tight end Kevin Boss five times. Getting Boss more involved is paramount. Palmer’s comfort level in this offense is growing, even though his numbers weren’t spectacular Sunday.

Scary scene: Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey had a good game with four catches before he injured his neck or head in the fourth quarter. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

UPDATE: Oakland coach Hue Jackson said Heyward-Bey has regained all of his feeling in his arms and his legs, and he was hopeful Heyward-Bey could fly home with the team.

Controlling Allen: Minnesota sack master Jared Allen came into the game with a sack in 11 straight games. The streak ended Sunday. Oakland did allow four sacks, but it was able to contain Allen.

Big game for Bush again: Oakland backup running back Michael Bush had 109 yards on 30 carries. He has a total of 266 rushing yards in the past two games, as Darren McFadden has been out since Week 7 with a foot injury.

Satele hurt again: Center Samson Satele had a concussion in the first half. Rookie guard Stefen Wisniewski moved to center, and Stephon Heyer came in to play left guard. Wisniewski excelled at center in Week 10 at San Diego when Satele was injured.

Bringing the heat: The Raiders continued to get to the quarterback. They had five sacks Sunday and have 11 sacks in their past two games.

Penalties still an issue: The Raiders -- the most penalized team in the NFL -- were flagged 12 times for 117 yards. This is a major issue for Oakland that has to somehow be cleared up.

Fourth-quarter problems continue: The Raiders were shut out in the fourth quarter for the fifth straight game. It almost caught up to them Sunday.

What’s next: The Raiders host Chicago in Week 12.

Wiz II shining for Raiders

November, 11, 2011
11/11/11
7:15
PM ET
Oakland rookie Denarius Moore deservedly has been receiving a lot of kudos for his terrific performance in a Raiders’ victory at San Diego on Thursday night. However, the fifth-rounder wasn’t the only Oakland rookie who starred in the game.

Wisniewski
Wisniewski
Offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski continued an impressive rookie season, anchoring an offensive line that battered San Diego’s defensive front and paved the way for a 157-yard performance for running back Michael Bush while protecting quarterback Carson Palmer in the best game of his short Oakland stint.

Wisniewski – the 48th overall pick in the April draft -- made a seamless move from left guard to center after an injury to Samson Satele. Wisniewski was expected to be Oakland’s starting center when he was drafted, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the Raiders’ center of the future.

Switching NFL positions on the fly is not easy, particularly for a rookie — but Wisniewski handled it like a veteran. Indeed, he’s handled everything like a veteran this season. He is very polished and teammates have lauded him for his NFL readiness and his professionalism.

It makes sense. Wisniewski was born to be an NFL player, born to be Raider. His uncle, Steve Wisniewski, was a star offensive lineman for the Raiders and is now an assistant offensive line coach in Oakland.

The elder Wisniewski has to be pleased to his nephew-turned-pupil is quickly finding success in the NFL.

Raiders, Chargers limp into game

November, 9, 2011
11/09/11
5:55
PM ET
The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers will not be healthy when they meet on a short week Thursday night in San Diego in a critical game between the two 4-4 teams.

Oakland coach Hue Jackson told reporters that running back Darren McFadden and cornerbacks Chris Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke will not play Thursday. McFadden, who will continue to be replaced by Michael Bush, has been expected to be out. He hasn’t played since early in Week 7 when he suffered a foot injury. The Raiders will try to get him ready for their next game, Nov. 20 at Minnesota.

Newly signed Lito Sheppard start at cornerback opposite Stanford Routt.

The Chargers will try to take advantage of the Raiders’ injuries, but they are banged up. Guard Kris Dielman is out and receiver Malcom Floyd and linebacker Shaun Philips are listed as doubtful. Running back Ryan Mathews is expected to play after missing Sunday’s loss to Green Bay with a groin injury.

The Raiders have several players who are questionable including defensive lineman Richard Seymour, safety Michael Huff, linebacker Rolando McClain, kicker Sebastian Janikowski and offensive linemen Samson Satele and Khalif Barnes.

This is a big game for both times that is tied for first place in the AFC West with Kansas City. The Chargers have lost three in a row and Oakland has lost two straight. Both teams will have to try to get on the right track despite being banged up.

Raiders missing several key players

November, 8, 2011
11/08/11
9:35
PM ET
Eleven Oakland Raiders did not practice Tuesday in the only real practice day of the week prior to their game at San Diego on Thursday.

Among the players who didn’t practice were running back Darren McFadden (foot), offensive linemen Samson Satele (knee) and Khalif Barnes (shoulder), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (ankle), cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) and Chris Johnson (hamstring), safeties Michael Huff (ankle) and Mike Mitchell (ankle) and kicker Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring).

Some of these players will likely play. McFadden, who hasn’t played since Week 7, isn't expected to be one of them, though. Each team will release their injury report Wednesday.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports receiver Malcom Floyd (hip), guard Kris Dielman (concussion) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) will not play. They have been out. Running back Ryan Mathews, who missed the last week’s game with a groin injury, is expected to play Thursday.

In other AFC West news:
  • The NFL has honored Denver Broncos’ receiver/returner Eddie Royal as its AFC special teams player of the week for his efforts in the Broncos’ upset win at Oakland on Sunday. Royal had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown to give Denver the lead with 5:53 remaining in the game.
  • I don’t see defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth being a fit in the AFC West. His reputation for being a troublemaker will likely preclude any interest from the team in the division, although Denver could likely use him. He was cut by the Patriots on Tuesday. He is now available through waivers.

Breaking down Raiders-Seahawks

September, 3, 2011
9/03/11
11:50
AM ET
Here are some thoughts from the Raiders’ 20-3 loss at Seattle on Friday night:

A rough preseason for the AFC West is over. The division won a total of four games, which was the lowest combined total of any division in the NFL. Oakland and Kansas City both went 0-4, joining Atlanta as the only winless teams in the league.

My thoughts on Oakland’s winless preseason? No biggie. No biggie at all. Again, I’m the wrong guy if you’re looking for a dose of preseason panic.

I was surprised that the starters played a lot. It seems many coaches changed their philosophy -- the fourth preseason game is traditionally a game when the starters stand on the sideline in a ball cap -- because of the lost time due to the lockout.

Quarterback Jason Campbell put in another nice performance. He completed 8 of 11 passes. He was strong all preseason.

It looks like Kyle Boller is going to be the backup ahead of Trent Edwards. Boller played much more than Edwards on Friday night.

The following group appears to be Oakland’s starting offensive line: Jared Veldheer, Stefen Wisniewski, Samson Satele, Cooper Carlisle and Khalif Barnes. This has been the starting group for weeks and expect to see it in Denver. I like Veldheer and Wisniewski on the left side, but the rest of the group is a little worrisome.

I’m not surprised Terrelle Pryor didn’t play. I know Oakland coach Hue Jackson said he would last week, but Jackson was far less committal this week. It is clear Pryor wasn’t ready to play. That’s understandable. He been in the system for a week. I don’t look at it as a bad sign that Pryor was kept on the sideline.

Oakland’s poor defensive effort continued. The struggling Seattle offense gained 377 yards. It will be interesting to see if this Oakland defense will be ready when the team opens at Denver in nine days.

Veteran receiver Derek Hagan had 224 receiving yards in the preseason, which was the second most in the league. Expect him to be in Oakland’s rotation.
Some interesting players around the league are being cut as teams begin the process of trimming rosters in preparation of the final cut-down on Saturday. Dallas has cut high-priced center Andre Gurode, Chicago said goodbye to running back Chester Taylor and Tennessee cut defensive tackle Jovan Haye

Do they fit in the AFC West? Well, yes, they do.

Gurode could fit with the Raiders. Yes, the Raiders have Samson Satele and they like the way he fits with the line. But there’s no denying Gurode would be an upgrade. The only question would be whether Oakland wants to make a change at the position so close to the start of the regular season.

Coincidentally, Gurode and Oakland coach Hue Jackson share an agent, so you know Jackson will get a good review.

I expect Denver to investigate Haye, a former starter, and any other experienced defensive tackles who become available. They put in a claim for Kentwan Balmer when Seattle cut him last week and that was before Brodrick Bunkley hurt his knee. Balmer was claimed by Carolina, the only team that currently has a higher claim priority than Denver. That position is Denver’s biggest question mark.

Denver could use another veteran in the backfield and Taylor might be interesting, but there should be better options available in the next five days.

UPDATE: Taylor’s situation in Chicago is now muddled.

Halftime notes from Oakland

August, 28, 2011
8/28/11
9:40
PM ET
OAKLAND -- Notes from halftime as the New Orleans Saints lead the Oakland Raiders, 17-10 in a preseason game:
  • New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, a long-time Raider killer, ripped the Raiders apart again. He threw for 189 yards before being taken out late in the half. The Saints were 6-for-8 on third-down conversions with Brees in the game. New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham had five catches for 73 yards in the first half.
  • The Raiders’ offense looked great on their first series. Everyone looked sharp as they cruised down the field 91 yards for a touchdown. Running back Michael Bush was tremendous as he had 32 yards on five carries in the first half. He looks to be in midseason form.
  • Rookie Taiwan Jones had 10 yards on four carries and he had a nifty run on a short pass called back by penalty. Yes, he is as advertised -- the fourth-round pick can fly. Expect Oakland to feature him on third-down screen plays during the season.
  • Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski showed off his monster leg with a 57-yard field goal. I’m not one to make outrageous predictions, but mark me down for this one: Janikowski breaks the NFL record for the longest field goal this season. He has the leg and Oakland coach Hue Jackson trusts him. The record is 63 yards.
  • Brees picked on rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke at will. Van Dyke is getting great experience, but if he doesn’t make fast strides, teams will challenge him early and often when he is on the field.
  • Veteran receiver Derek Hagan scored on a 35-yard pass from Jason Campbell on the team's first possession. The journeyman receiver is having a strong summer and he could be in Oakland’s receiving rotation.
  • Campbell was sharp. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 150 yards. He looked good in the two-minute drill on the final drive of the half before he was picked off on a deflected pass. Campbell did well in the two-minute drill late last season.
  • Oakland’s offensive line looked solid. It’s a work in progress, but it is making strides. I like rookie Stefen Wisniewski at left guard and veteran Samson Satele at center. Wisniewski is very athletic and seems to play with a nasty streak. He excelled in the first half in run blocking.
  • Defensive lineman Richard Seymour is being held out with a hamstring injury.
  • Running back Darren McFadden and receiver Jacoby Ford also are among those not playing. They returned to practice this week, but they are being held out as a precaution. Expect to see them when the regular season begins in Denver.
  • Pass-rusher Trevor Scott played for the first time since suffering a knee injury in November.
  • Oakland second-year middle linebacker Rolando McClain looks very active. He is always near the ball.
  • Nick Miler muffed the opening kickoff. Not a great move for a guy on the bubble.
  • NBC reported during its telecast that quarterback Terelle Pryor will not play Sunday night, but he will play Friday in the preseason finale at Seattle. Oakland took the former Ohio State quarterback in the supplemental draft Monday.
  • Jeff Miller, the head of NFL security, is at the game as part of the league’s investigation into the fan violence following the Raiders’ game at San Francisco last week. He said the league hasn’t made a final decision on whether or not the annual preseason series between the two Bay Area teams will be postponed next year. That recommendation has been made.

AFC West notes

August, 19, 2011
8/19/11
8:15
PM ET
Denver’s starters will play into the second quarter Saturday night against visiting Buffalo. Denver coach John Fox won’t say whether Tim Tebow or Brady Quinn will replace starting quarterback Kyle Orton. Tebow and Quinn have been sharing duties on the second team. Tebow played with the second team against Dallas last week. Expect this backup battle to last the entire preseason.

Oakland center Samson Satele was back at practice Friday after an injury scare. Satele has been practicing with the first offense at center, while rookie Stefen Wisniewski has been playing guard after the team originally thought he’d be the center.

The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs considered trading Jamaal Charles to Washington in 2009. Good thing for Kansas City that didn’t happen. That wouldn’t have been a good start to the Scott Pioli-Todd Haley era in Kansas City. I don’t think is a major bombshell. You’d be surprised how many players are discussed in trade talks compared to how many players actually get dealt.
When the Oakland Raiders drafted Stefen Wisniewski out of Penn State with the No. 48 overall pick, Oakland coach Hue Jackson proclaimed he’d be the instant starter at center.

Yet, the Raiders brought back last season’s starter, Samson Satele, in free agency. Satele has been getting most of the first-team repetitions in camp lately. Wisniewski has been moved to left guard where he is getting most of the snaps. It is looking more and more like this will be the setup once the regular season starts in exactly four weeks when the Raiders visit Denver on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.”

Wisniewski, the nephew of former Raider great guard and current assistant offensive line coach Steve Wisniewski, is versatile and he has experience at both guard and center.

The idea of playing both Satele and Wisniewski is a smart one. The Raiders are reconstructing their offensive line and are looking for the best players. If that means taking Wisniewski out of his original spot to fix two holes on the line, that’s what Oakland should do.
BACK TO TOP