Raiders Ready to Admit Their Incompetence?

According to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of releasing cornerback DeAngelo Hall just eight games after trading for him and signing him to a huge contract extension, confirming what many of us already knew. Hall was among the most overrated players in the league while with the Atlanta Falcons.

If the Raiders do, in fact, decide to cut ties with Hall, essentially admitting they screwed up big time, he will have collected $8 million for playing in eight games. Extensive calculations show that works out to $1 million per game. Not bad work if you can get it. Also keep in mind Al Davis sent a second-round draft pick to the Falcons for the opportunity to overpay Hall.

Give the Raiders a little credit, however, for recognizing their mistake and nipping things in the bud (assuming they go through with it). If Hall were to get hurt now while playing for Oakland, they would be on the hook for another $16 million. Which is why it is likely no other team will be interested in taking a chance on the guy once he hits the waiver wire (with the possible exception of the Dallas Cowboys, of course).

Hall, according to recent rumors, isn't the only big name in danger of being without a job soon. Wide receiver Javon Walker, who was also given a big-money deal he didn't deserve during the offseason, could soon be shown the door as well. And why not? He's had just 13 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. Granted he doesn't have anyone to throw the ball to him, but there are big questions about his desire to even be on a football field at this point.

Another player to keep an eye on is defensive lineman Tommy Kelly. Here's a guy who was given a record deal during the offseason that really raised some eyebrows despite the fact that no one really considered him to be an elite player... other than perhaps the Raiders. And it's no surprise that his production hasn't lived up to his paycheck.

All three of these are perfect examples of why the Raiders find themselves in the situation they are currently in, and perhaps illustrates exactly why it's time for Davis to hire a general manager and step back away from his every-day micro managing of the organization into the ground.

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