Raiders lose Veldheer, Houston but add Saffold

Originally published on Silver & Black Report on March 11, 2014

Free agency certainly lived up to the "frenzy" hype for the Raiders as they lost two of their strongest pieces from last season, starting left tackle Jared Veldheer and defensive end Lamarr Houston.

The Raiders chose not to utilize the franchise-tag option on either of the players and it turned out to be costly for Reggie McKenzie and the Raiders front office as they watch two of their best pieces from a roster with so many holes.

Veldheer signed with the Arizona Cardinals shortly after free agency open. ESPN Adam Schefter has reported that Veldheer's deal is 5-years worth $35 million, according to reports.

Former Raiders OT Jared Veldheer reached agreement on a 5-yr, $35M deal with Cardinals, per ESPN league sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014


The departure of Houston leaves the Raiders defensive line decimated and without their best pass rusher. Houston chose to depart to Chicago for a five-year, $35 million deal according to Schefter.

Former Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston reached agreement on a five-year, $35M deal with the Chicago Bears, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014


The Raiders signed Rams offensive lineman Roger Saffold to a five-year, $42.5 million deal with $21.5 million guaranteed, according to Schefter.

Saffold is only 25 and is a versatile offensive lineman that has experience playing both tackle positions as well as being kicked inside to the guard position. One concern with Saffold is that he has missed 17 games in three NFL seasons, but the Raiders hope he can remain healthy and play a big role in the Raiders rebuild.