The Oakland Raiders may take a look at free agent Tony McDaniel after his release from the Seattle Seahawks, as GM Reggie McKenzie said that the team could sign the defensive lineman while in training camp and this comes as Trent Richardson's future with the team is up in the air, as the running back could be released after camp if he doesn't improve following his failure of a conditioning test.
McDaniel was released by the Seahawks after the team signed back Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner to extensions and now he could be an option or teams on the market. According to Pro Football Talk, the Raiders could be a landing spot, as general manager Reggie McKenzie said that "there's a chance" the team signs McDaniel to a deal. The Seahawks did not really want to let McDaniel go, as Pete Carroll said it "sucks" to have to release a player the team likes.
The Seahawks really had no choice, as they had to free up some money somewhere and now someone like the Raiders could benefit. The team reportedly has been looking to add some depth at the position and now McDaniel could be an option. The Raiders run defense has not been consistent in recent years and with Jack Del Rio coming in, things are expected to improve. Del Rio had Terrance Knighton at his last job and now McDaniel could be an option to come in.
The Raiders signed Trent Richardson this offseason as a free agent, but he has not been off to a great start with the team in camp. According to NFL.com, Richardson failed a conditioning test and that put him on the active/NFI list for the time being. Ian Rapoport at NFL.com writes that Richardson is not sure bet to make the roster and has a "50-50" chance of getting cut since he has a small guarantee in his deal. If he is let go, the team could look at free agents like Steven Jackson, Felix Jones, Ben Tate, Chris Johnson or even Ray Rice, but that last one is unlikely.
Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group reported the quote about McKenzie and he also spoke with Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. about the potential addition. Norton was previously an assistant with the Seahawks and he said that while he is not making these decisions, he added that the team should do "anything to help improve us" and that the team could take a chance and "bring him in and give him a shot."
McDaniel likely will have some attention from other teams on the market, as he has been a steady player for the Seahawks over the last two seasons. McDaniel has played in all 32 games for the Seahawks in the last two years and he has put up good numbers in that time with 31 total tackles last season and 52 the year before. The Seahawks have had one of the best rush defenses in the league and he could greatly help the Raiders improve in that area.
Check here for more on the Raiders training camp and interest in McDaniel.
