Seeking deal, free-agent CB Davis visits Raiders
With Amerson gone and Smith likely next to be released, team has need
OAKLAND, Calif. — In 2016, the Raiders made two significant investments at veteran cornerback, signing free agent Sean Smith to a $38 million contract in March and David Amerson to a four-year, $33.9 million extension in July.
Neither panned out as hoped. Now, they are prepared to invest in a veteran again.
The Raiders reportedly hosted cornerback Vontae Davis on a free agent visit Wednesday. Davis. 29, visited the San Francisco 49ers a day earlier, so his stop completes a Bay Area swing. He also has visited the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills since being medically cleared this month from surgery he underwent for a core injury last year.
Sebastian Janikowski, the left-footed Polish kicker who has played more games and scored more points than any player in Raiders history, expressed his gratitude Wednesday to the only franchise he’s known across an 18-year NFL career.
Janikowski, who turns 40 on March 2, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 14. This month, the Raiders notified him that they won’t retain his services. He joined the Raiders
Oakland released Amerson on
Feb. 5. He signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 16.
Smith is expected to be released as well, given he’s due an $8.25 million salary in 2018 and faces felony assault and battery charges for an alleged July 4 incident involving his sister’s then-boyfriend in Pasadena, California. Compounding the uncertainty in 2000 as a first-round pick from Florida State, played 268 games and scored 1,799 points.
“I always knew that one day my time with the Oakland Raiders would come to an end, but I have to say, that never would have been too soon. It has been an honor and a privilege to wear the Silver and Black for these past 18 years. Words cannot express my gratitude to Mark Davis and the Raider Nation.”
Michael Gehlken at the position, TJ Carrie was the club’s top corner in 2017. He will become an unrestricted free agent if not re-signed by March 14.
The Raiders believe they possess one key piece at cornerback, carrying lofty expectations for Gareon Conley. The former first-round pick missed all but two games in 2017 as a rookie. After shin surgery in November, he is expected to be a full participant in team workouts this spring.
Davis could be another such piece. He entered the NFL in 2009 as a Miami Dolphins first-round pick. After three seasons, he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. The two-time Pro Bowler has started 112 of 120 career games with 408 tackles, 22 interceptions and 106 passes defended in nine NFL seasons.
He turns 30 on May 27. NFL Network first reported Davis’ visit.
Davis is permitted to sign before the March 14 start of free agency because the Colts released him in November.
Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Gehlkennfl on Twitter.