Tight ends are the new trend in the NFL and the Oakland Raiders are behind. Chris Cooley got his release after eight years in the capital. Might the veteran give the Silver and Black some veteran leadership on offense?
Washington Redskins cut Cooley in favor of Fred Davis
Mike Shanahan didn't do it all at once like some coaches but he has steadily whittled away the last few pieces of the old Washington Redskins. The latest sacrifice was two-time Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley who lost his job to teammate Fred Davis due to injuries. His failure to build trust with rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III sealed his fate. Washington released him after eight seasons. While with the team he set franchise tight end records for receptions (436), yards (4,703) and touchdowns (33). At 30 years old, if his knee is as healthy as he says, Cooley should find work elsewhere. He has earned a reputation for great leadership and becoming a team player. Though not his superstar self from back in 2005 he can become a solid addition to the right roster and offense.
Carson Palmer still not in sync with Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford
One offense in sore need of reliable targets are the Raiders. Not only are their tight ends a list of Average Joes, their highly touted group of receivers can't seem to get on the same page with quarterback Carson Palmer. Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford can't stay healthy while Darius Heyward-Bey has done fine but can't carry the passing game alone. The slow development has resulted in several interceptions for Palmer during the preseason, a problem that dogged him last year as well. Most experts believe Oakland will rely on the legs of budding star running back Darren McFadden until the passing game works itself out. Palmer thinks that will come with time and work. Until Moore and Ford are healthy though it won't matter. That is why the Cooley idea makes sense in several ways. He is a player that will likely come cheap. He isn't too old. Best of all he is a veteran filling a roster slot already thinned out by free agent losses.
The Washington Redskins didn't want Chris Cooley but he has no reason to get down on himself. Carson Palmer and the Oakland Raiders can't afford to wait on Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford forever. A phone call might come his way sooner than he thinks.
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Comments: 8
So congratulations on finally putting a dart in the dartboard instead of the wall. On the other hand, Seattle just cut Terrell Owens; can we not return to that blind alley, please?
Cooley is an interesting idea. He isn't over the hill entirely but given his injury history makes him a moderate risk. That's why he will probably come cheap. If anything else the maturation of Fred Davis in Washington is proof positive Cooley has that effect on younger tight ends.
As for your Owens angle, I believe the Seahawks only went with Edwards because he was younger. Being 38 is bad enough but given his history it was a minor miracle T.O. made it as far as he did. That said I saw tape on his game action and I have to say he moves pretty well for his age. I strongly believe he makes the team if he caught that bomb from Matt Flynn instead of dropping it. I wonder if any other teams saw it that way too?