Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen made it through the first week of free agency with no spectacular transactions and two did get to strengthen the struggling pass-rush.
On Friday morning the Raiders announced the signing of free agent linebacker Nick Roach to a multi-year contract with compensation ranging from $3 to $4 million per season.
Sunday, McKenzie was back to work again the off-season and announced the signing of linebacker Kevin Burnett who entered the league as a Dallas Cowboys’ second-round draft choice (42nd overall) in 2005.
Roach, had a career year in 2012 as a member Chicago Bears as he took advantage of the injury to Brian Urlacher. In the 14 games he accumulated 66 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 passes deflected and one forced fumble.
Roach racked up 15 tackles during Chicago’s victory against the Arizona Cardinals at the end of December and possibly see the former undrafted 27-year-old free agent as a replacement for linebacker Rolando McClain, who is likely getting released.
Meanwhile with the Bears it makes sense that the team is likely going to keep Urlacher as the Minnesota Vikings had some interest in him.
Burnett is the pass rusher the Raiders needed to add to their pass rush. Over the last three seasons he started in all 16 games, including the last two years with the Miami Dolphins.
Entering his ninth season in the NFL, Burnett has played in 120 career games with 59 starts for the three teams the Dolphins, San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys. His career totals include 17 ½ sacks, 20 passes defended, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interception returns for touchdowns for his career.
Over the past two seasons with the Dolphins, Burnett capped the century mark in total tackles. Last season, he had a career-high 110 tackles (80 solo) and matched a career best with five passes defended.
He also forced one fumble and had 2 ½ sacks, marking his fifth straight year with at least two sacks last season for Miami.