Snap Reaction: Raiders sign Bartell, Brisiel
The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent cornerback Ronald Bartell and guard Mike Brisiel.
The moves were made shortly after the Raiders announced that they released veteran linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. The cutting of Wimbley saved the team roughly $17.5 million in total salary and $4,5 million in 2012 cap space.
With the releasing of Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson, cornerback became the #1 priority in free agency. Bartell, 30, played in only one game last season for the St. Louis Rams. With only two other cornerbacks on roster — Demarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa — the fact the Raiders bring in a veteran corner makes it that much more important. The cornerback position lacked size, experience and maturity, and Reggie McKenzie hopes Bartell can assume that role.
Terms of the Bartell deal were not announced.
The Raiders also filled another large hole on Friday with the signing of former Houston Texans guard Mike Brisiel. The deal is reportedly a five year deal worth $20 million. After the release of guard Cooper Carlisle earlier in the week, it became crucial for the team to fill in that spot quickly. Brisiel is primarily zone blocking lineman, which is ideal for the Raiders zone blocking scheme. While Brisiel isn’t a sexy name or even the top available at his position, the signing fills a need and many consider him a solid, relatively cheap, under the radar player. Brisiel reunites with former Houston offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and offensive line coach Greg Pollack.
Neither move will make headlines or cause a stir — especially with their cross bridge rival pursuing a certain free agent QB — but both are quality, need-based signings that Reggie McKenzie has been come to known for. Don’t expect a big splash this off-season, or maybe even the next one, but signings which fill a need and are executed by the new regime should be welcomed with an open mind.
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