The Oakland Raiders are busy shaping the next era of the team after hiring Jack Del Rio as the new head coach. The Raiders might have only won a handful of games in 2014, but they showed potential that has several believing the franchise is on the rise after all this time. With plenty of free agency decisions headed their way, one move has already been made regarding the future of Charles Woodson.
The Oakland Raiders took to Twitter to announce that Woodson will return for the 2015 season. The veteran safety had been saying since the season ended that he fully intended to play another year and preferred that be with the Raiders, but understood that his expiring contracts meant business decisions had to be made. Woodson has played the last two years on one-year contracts considering he is 38 and currently the oldest player in the league.
Despite his age, Woodson continues to play at a high level and be the veteran anchor the Raiders need on defense. In 2014, he recorded 112 tackles while having 97 in 2013. With no signs of slowing down, it made sense for Oakland to re-sign Woodson for to another one-year contract. With Woodson set to return, the jury is still out on several players and their contracts.
The Raiders offense is getting the brunt of the focus as Del Rio stressed to the media that building around quarterback Derek Carr was a priority. That means players like Darren McFadden who struggled in 2014 likely will not have their contract renewed and Maurice Jones-Drew could be released in favor of more cap space. The wide receiving corps could also be seeing numerous changes as players like Denarius Moore and Rod Streater failed to do their part. Andre Holmes could be out as well with his expiring contract.
The Raiders are being linked to several big names in free agency while many have them predicted to draft Amari Cooper in the first round of the NFL Draft. According to ESPN.com, Julius Thomas could be a target along with Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree. The Raiders have also been linked to a trade for LeSean McCoy for running back help.