The passing of the trade deadline Tuesday will take pressure off the Raiders locker room. Several players’ names were being bounced around and it was only recently that general manager Reggie McKenzie made it clear that the team was still fielding phone calls.
“You want to make sure you’re around, what’s the plan, all those things,” said quarterback Derek Carr, one of the names most mentioned. “I think it was on a lot of guy’s minds. Just to know that’s almost over with and we’re just playing ball, I think it’s nice for our guys.”
—Cornerback Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie announced his own retirement on social media Tuesday. The 32-year old, two-time Pro Bowler was signed Aug. 23, but his playing time diminished significantly the last couple of weeks. He played 55 snaps in London against Seattle before the bye, but reduced to 21 Sunday against Indianapolis.
Carr complimented Rodgers-Cromartie for his contribution during a short stay, but couldn’t help making a joke, saying at least the retirement “didn’t come at halftime.” That was an obtuse reference to defensive back Vontae Davis walking out on the Buffalo Bills during halftime of a game.
Rodgers-Comartie’s announcement was on his Instagram account: “Today my NFL journey ends . . . I’m at peace with my decision . . . Y’all may not understand and that’s kool!!!”
BY THE NUMBERS: 5 – Number of first-round picks the OakVegas Raiders have so far in the next two drafts.
