I hope nobody misinterprets this post as a "giving up on the Raiders 2008 season" type deal. I'm pumped for this year and really think we got a shot at the playoffs but with that said, I just recently got a look at next years Free Agent Class and it looks amazing. I just thought I'd share it with you guys. Keep in mind a lot can happen between then and now so I assume most will be signed to an extension or franchise tagged by next offseason. However, with so many big names you got to believe quite a few will slip through the cracks into the open market or will be traded. So I ask you guys the question, did the Raiders pull the trigger to early at the big spending in FA? Should they have waited a year and continued to save? We dished out big bucks to questionable guys like Javon Walker and Tommy Kelly when we could have waited for say Tommy Harris and Roy Williams. Here is a look at the top FA names for the 2009 offseason.

1. DE Julius Peppars - Peppers is coming off a horrible 2 sack season but will still look to get a Dwight Freeney type contract. With the Panthers going into rebuilding mode, another average year by Peppers could mean the Panthers would rather see him leave then pay him big money. Peppers is still young having only played 6 seasons and could be trade bait. The Panthers might decide that he's gone anyways, so might as well get something rather than nothing for him.

2. RB Steven Jackson - No way the Rams let him go. Could be highest paid RB of all time once his new contract is done.

3. DT Tommy Harris - After Tommy Kelly's record deal, Harris is going to want double Kelly's contract. After all, Harris has shown much more in his career than Kelly. The problem is that the Bears don't pay anyone, not even Urlacher. Harris could reach the open market.

4. RB Marion Barber - The Cowboys have way too many FA's after next year and Barber likley will not be a priority. That's one of the reasons they drafted Felix Jones in the 1st round.

5. G Chriss Snee

6. CB Nnamdi Asomugha - I hate to say it, but with the big Hall trade and contract, Nnadi might be allowed to go. We have Rout, drafted Bowie last year, and drafted another big fast CB in this years draft. The Raiders seem to be prepairing for Nnadi's departure. I HOPE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. DT Albert Haynesworth - Only a matter of time before he reaches a long term deal with the Titans.

8. WR Terrell Owens - Owens is getting older and the Cowboys seem to be headed for an all or nothing year. Owens might be the other Cowboy FA that isn't resigned.

9. DE Will Smith

10. WR TJ Houshmandzadeh - No way the Bengals loose another WR

11. MLB Ray Lewis - Doesn't seem like the Ravens are that in a hurry to resign their all time franchise guy. Ray can still play.

12. WR Roy Williams - I don't care that the Lions drafted Calvin Johnson. They would be stupid to trade this guy or let him go.

13. WR Lee Evans

14. LB Carlos Dansby

15. RB Brandon Jacobs

16. CB Terrance Newman - Cowboy FA

17. S Ken Hamlin - Cowboy FA

18. DE/LB Demarcus Ware - Cowboy FA, No way Ware isn't signed by the Cowboys.

Also, don't forget about Chad Johnson, Jason Taylor, Jeremy Shockey, and Anquan Boldin. All who could be in new uniforms this time next year.

There's no way we're letting go Asomgha. Al loves him.

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To all my RAIDER haters: You have one advantage over me.....You can kiss my ass and I can't!!

I hope you are right.

Asomugha is staying. DeAngelo Hall was on satellite radio talking about Al Davis making sure that Asomugha gets a secure deal. He also said its very important for Him personally to have Aso on the other side.

Im sure Al will go trolling for FAs next year as well & will try to land as big a names as he can & he may even be working on trades to bolster this years roster, & Peppers would look good in Silver & Black. I think Al will be dead befor Aso plays for another team.

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Take 9 steps back and throw to the man closest to the endzone

Speaking of Free Agents... Koren Robinson just got released by Green Bay today. I don't know if Al Davis has his eyes on him ( I hope not ) but he's out there.

Great little bit of inside information Max. Or should I say Satellite information. LOL!!

Koren Robinson's best days are behind him. IMHO.

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Its good thinking. If you were a shutdown CB across from Joe Average, the cover 2 guy, you'd never see a football, but but if theres another ziplock CB on th other side the QB has to choose between the rock & the hard place. It wouldnt suprise me if our LBs have more picks than our DBs just from the feer of the corners. Our secondary being so good is the biggest reason why our run D has to be better. I think that may be a big part of Al wanting DMac. With a quick strike O, we can play with a lead & force the pass & throwing the ball is playing against the teeth of our D.

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Take 9 steps back and throw to the man closest to the endzone

How could I forget Terrell Suggs DE/LB who will also be a FA next year. I think The combo of Spires, Richardson, and Edwards will do fine for this year. However, looking into the future, we are going to need a true full time starting DE opposite Burgess. With Suggs, Peppers, and Taylor all going to be out there, we should with out a doubt have DE as a number 1 priority going into the next 2009 offseason.

More 2009 FA's..........................

Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking and Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson. What a loaded class it might be.