Raiders’ all-time best signings in free agency: No. 1 is an easy choice
The Raiders' list of top 10 free agent signings includes three players that came directly from the 49ers -- Charlie Garner, Jerry Rice and Michael Crabtree.
Free agency is a hit-and-miss proposition where NFL teams are in most cases dealing with the castoffs of other teams.
But there are some gems to be had, and here is a look at the Raiders’ top 10 free agents of the past 30 years, with additional weight in most cases given to those who played on winning teams:
1. Rich Gannon (1999)
The signing of Gannon by Al Davis at the request of Jon Gruden and releasing of Jeff George was the impetus for three straight division titles, and an AFC championship. Gannon was the NFL’s MVP in 2002 and set franchise records for pass attempts (618), completions (418) and yardage (4,689).
2. Rodney Hudson (2015)
Not only did G.M. Reggie McKenzie get a worthy heir to the Jim Otto-Dave Dalby center tradition, he stole Hudson from the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. Good enough to receive an extension from his original deal and a leader who has commanded the respect of the roster and staff.
3. Charlie Garner (2001)
When Napoleon Kaufman abruptly retired to devote his time to his ministry, Garner came in from the 49ers and upgraded the position. His 2002 season for the AFC champions (182-962-5.3-7 rushing and 91-941-10.3-4 receiving) is the most overlooked spectacular season in franchise history.
4. Jerry Rice (2001)
Embittered after being pushed aside for Terrell Owens ascension to No,. 1 receiver in San Francisco, Rice joined Tim Brown (and Garner) and caught 243 passes for 3,286 yards and 18 touchdowns in 54 games from ages 39 to 41. He made his 13th and final Pro Bowl at age 40 in 2002.
5. Derrick Burgess (2005)
Didn’t someone once say pass rushers were hard to find? Signed after a 2 1/2 sack season with Philadelphia, Burgess came screaming off the edge and had a 16-sack season upon joining the Raiders. He followed that up with 11 more sacks in 2006 and finished with 38 1/2 sacks in 56 games with two Pro Bowls.
6. Rod Woodson (2002)
Had one great final season to cap a Hall of Fame career in 2002. Woodson’s 98-yard interception return for a touchdown against Denver jump-started a 4-4 Raiders team that won the AFC title. Had eight interceptions for 225 yards and returns and made his 11th and final Pro Bowl. Injured in 2003, then retired.
7. Michael Crabtree (2015)
Crabtree arrived from the 49ers and caught 174 passes for 1,925 yards and 17 touchdowns from Derek Carr in two seasons as well as a two-point conversion pass to beat New Orleans in 2016. Raiders were 19-13 in those seasons. Drops increased and productivity decreased in 2017.
8. Kelechi Osemele (2016)
The Raiders made Osemele temporarily the NFL’s highest paid guard and he was a transformative presence for a smash-mouth running game. As much as anybody, Osemele’s contagious aggression helped the Raiders to a 12-4 season that stands as their lone playoff appearance since 2003.
9. Donald Penn (2014)
Penn saved McKenzie when he became available after being released following a poor season in Tampa Bay. The Raiders had let Jared Veldheer walk in free agency and his replacement, Rodger Saffold, failed his physical. Penn protected Carr’s blind side, made Pro Bowls in 2016-17 and even caught a touchdown pass.
10. William Thomas (2000)
One of the reasons Gruden is so beholden to veterans. After going to two Pro Bowls with Philadelphia, Thomas had 9 interceptions in two years at ages 31 and 32 as a weakside linebacker for a Raiders team that went 22-10. Also had 166 tackles, 14 for losses.
Honorable mention
Fullback Marcel Reece (2008), defensive tackle John Parrella (2002), linebacker Romanowski (2002), Safety Ronnie Lott (1991), wide receiver Nelson Agholor (2020), tight end Jared Cook (2017), guard Denzelle Good (2018), tight end Lee Smith (2016), quarterback Jeff Hostetler (1993), wide receiver Andre Rison (2000).
The above players were signed since 1991, with so-called “Plan B” free agency winding down into something approximating the system used today. Raiders legends such as Jim Plunkett (1978) and Todd Christensen (1979) who were free to sign with any team are not included.