Last year's division champion Oakland Raiders weren't satisfied with the way they were "flopped" out of the playoffs last December when the Ravens' Tony Siragusa landed on quarterback Rich Gannon, effectively ending the Raiders Super Bowl hopes. So the Raiders skipped across San Francisco Bay and plucked two offensive weapons from the 49ers.

San Francisco made it clear after last season that legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice was not in any of their future plans, so he agreed to join the Raiders after touring several other NFL cities. Rice may be nearing the end of a very illustrious career, but he was still very productive last season, catching 75 passes for 805 yards and seven touchdowns. Rice will line up opposite long-time Raider wide receiver Tim Brown, giving Oakland one of the most experienced tandems at the receiver spot in the NFL.

The Raiders also grabbed running back Charlie Garner from the 49ers. Garner adds another dimension to the Raiders' attack with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He caught 68 passes last year and will split the rushing duties in Oakland with Tyrone Wheatley.

On defense, the Raiders signed free agent defensive end Trace Armstrong, who is coming off the best season of his career, recording 16½ sacks for the Miami Dolphins. The bulk of Armstrong's playing time with the Raiders will probably come in passing situations. The Raiders also drafted safety Derrick Gibson in the first round of the NFL draft, and he should push inconsistent incumbents Anthony Dorsett and Marquez Pope for a starting position.

Other new additions include tight ends Roland Williams and Andrew Glover. Williams is expected to be the starter, replacing Rickey Dudley who bolted to the Browns via free agency. The Raiders also brought in right guard Frank Middleton and linebacker Ryan Phillips.

Overall, the Raiders have filled some of the few holes they had, but the rest of the AFC West will be aiming for them this season. If quarterback Rich Gannon, who is coming off the best season of his career, does not continue to play as he did last year, the Raiders could slip a notch or two in the standings.