The Oakland Raiders tendered offers to six of their exclusive rights free agents. Offensive tackle Matt McCants wil make $495K next season. Linebacker Kaelin Burnett, safety Brandian Ross, corner Chimdi Chekwa, Jamize Olawale and running back Jeremy Stewart will each make $570K.
Exclusive rights free agents are guys who have served two years or less and are forced to take a minimum salary tender if offered by their team. None of the guys tendered by the Raiders are big-time players, but all are important for depth purposes. Matt McCants and Brandian Ross both spent a lot of time as starters in 2013, but that was due to injuries sustained by the guys in front of them.
All of these guys, however, will likely see a good amount of playing time. Burnett plays a lot of special teams, Chekwa played well as depth for the Raiders at corner, Olawale will get a lot of time as a lead blocker and Stewart is a good backup and special teams contributor.
Most of these moves were expected and do not make a big difference, but they also represent continuity as well as roster spots being filled at very reasonable prices.
