NFL Oakland Raiders

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For the Oakland Raiders In 2015

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By @Kevin_Saito

5 Veterans Who Might Not Be Back In Silver and Black

Open Slide
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Determining the next head coach of the Raiders is not the only decision the organization is going to have to make this offseason. There are a number of veteran players whose fates are uncertain at this point. While some seem like locks to not return in 2015, GM Reggie McKenzie has been somewhat unpredictable – and mind boggling – when it comes to retaining veteran players. Here are five players who may not be back in Silver and Black in 2015.

5. Darren McFadden

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Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

5. Darren McFadden

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Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

This one seems like a no-brainer. Signed to a one-year “show me” contract, the only thing McFadden showed is that he's not a productive running back. While it's not entirely his fault – OC Greg Olson should share some of the blame for McFadden's shortcomings this season – McFadden didn't take advantage of the opportunities he did have. This was likely his last shot in Oakland, and possibly at a big time contract elsewhere.

4. Carlos Rogers

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Carlos Rogers

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Like McFadden, Rogers was signed to a one-year deal. He was signed more as a stopgap measure than anything, given the dearth of talent in Oakland's secondary, but Rogers spent most of the season on the injured reserve list rather than playing. Though when he was on the field, he didn't make much of an impact anyway. It's not that he played poorly; he just didn't make a lot of plays in general. Rogers is almost certain to not be back in 2015.

3. Tarell Brown

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3. Tarell Brown

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John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Also signed to a one-year deal, Brown was one of the more consistent members of the Oakland secondary. He finished the season with 47 tackles and four passes defensed but zero interceptions. Like Rogers, he didn't play poorly, but he didn't have as much of an impact as hoped when he signed. With the emergence of TJ Carrie and presumably with the continued development of DJ Hayden, Brown is expendable and likely done in Oakland.

2. Stefan Wisniewski

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Stefan Wisniewski

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

A free agent, Wisniewski finds himself in the same position former linemate Jared Veldheer found himself in last season. He values himself higher than what the club is likely willing to pay – especially given the fact that 2014 wasn't his best season as a pro. He has a family legacy with the team, but that's not a guarantee that he will be back with the Silver and Black in 2015.

1. Charles Woodson

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1. Charles Woodson

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland would be wise to bring him back. Even at age 38, Woodson showed that he can still play at a high level and is the unquestioned heart and soul of the Raiders defense. The Raiders need high character guys in their locker room who can help with the development of a crop of young playmakers, and Woodson is most definitely that. His continued high productivity is gravy, but his age might be a stumbling block for a team looking to get younger.

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