The day has arrived. The free agent negotiating period has begun. And despite more than two months in which the Raiders were the only team allowed to negotiate with their top free agents, their agents will be talking with other teams now.
Those top free agents are middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman, cornerback TJ Carrie, and defensive lineman Denico Autry.
Two of those players are ‘home grown’ talent. Original Raiders. Carrie was a 7th round pick turned reliable nickel/slot corner and sometimes starter. Autry was signed as an undrafted free agent that year who worked his way up to be a solid contributor and who led the NFL last season in batted passes at the line (7) – something he has become well known for both on defense and special teams.