NFLback.com News from around the NFL

Raiders Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Rather than simply hand the starting job to their presumptive quarterback of the future, the Raiders will make JaMarcus Russell work for it.

Coach Tom Cable, who benched Russell with the blessing of owner Al Davis 10 games into the 2009 season, declared quarterback an "open competition" while speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Then the Raiders very probably brought back Russell's main competition, Bruce Gradkowski, by extending a second-round tender before the March 4 deadline.

Gradkowski can seek offers from other teams, with the Raiders getting the right of first refusal. If the Raiders declined to match an offer, they would receive a second round draft pick in return.

As encouraging as Gradkowski was last season in taking over for...

Vikings after LaDainian Tomlinson? (Yahoo! Sports)

The Minnesota Vikings are apparently interested in signing free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson,...

Raiders release wide receiver Javon Walker, defensive end Greg Ellis (The Canadian Press)

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Greg Ellis on Monday in their latest dumping of veteran players.

Raiders release Walker, Ellis (AP)

The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Greg Ellis on Monday in their latest dumping of veteran players. The moves follow Saturday's decision to cut ties with longtime running back Justin Fargas. Walker was a disappointment right from the start after signing a $55 million contract that included an $11 million signing bonus two years ago.

Oakland Raiders release running back Justin Fargas after 7 seasons (The Canadian Press)

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders released running back Justin Fargas on Saturday, cutting ties with one of their key offensive players over the last few seasons.

Raiders release RB Justin Fargas (AP)

The Oakland Raiders released running back Justin Fargas on Saturday, cutting ties with one of their key offensive players over the last few seasons. "Justin Fargas was a beloved Raider who performed at a high level throughout his seven seasons with the team and his contributions to the Silver and Black will always be remembered," the team said in a statement announcing the move.

Raiders sign Barnes to 1-year deal (AP)

The Oakland Raiders re-signed free agent offensive lineman Khalif Barnes to a one-year contract on Friday. The Raiders did not tender a contract offer to Barnes before the start of free agency, making him an unrestricted free agent. But the team confirmed he is coming back for a second season. Barnes signed a one-year deal last year to come to Oakland after four years in Jacksonville.

Oakland Raiders tender contracts to seven free agents (The Canadian Press)

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders tendered contracts to quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and six other restricted free agents on Wednesday.

Raiders tender contracts to 7 free agents (AP)

The Oakland Raiders tendered contracts to quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and six other restricted free agents on Wednesday. Gradkowski got a second-round tender, meaning he will get at least $1.759 million if he makes the team next season. The Raiders also have the right to match any offer sheet he signs with another team or receive a second-round pick as compensation.

Raiders apply same logic to RFA process as everything else (Yahoo! Sports)

Yeah, yeah ... we know. When it comes to football writers and the Oakland Raiders, we're guilty of picking the...