The Oakland Raiders were one of the busiest teams during the NFL offseason and after ditching a number of longtime veterans, the team has brought in a load of new players, including names like Tracy Porter, Charles Woodson and Mike Jenkins and now Reggie McKenzie has done it again with unrestricted free agent Jason Hunter.
According to the Fay Observer, Hunter signed with the Raiders after playing his college football at Appalachian State and playing the last three years with the Broncos. Hunter did not play last year while dealing with injuries and he now joins a defensive line at the end position that lost Tommy Kelly on the inside to the New England Patriots in the offseason. Hunter is a veteran player and before dealing with the injury he had 11 sacks and three forced fumbles while playing in 88 games during his career. He started 23 times in Denver and he also played with the Lions and the Green Bay Packers before joining the Raiders.
Hunter previously worked with head coach Dennis Allen in Denver and he should fit right in with the defensive scheme of the team as they try to improve from last year on the inside. He could play a big part up front for the team and if he can get to the quarterback on a consistent basis, he will get some good playing time. The team needs more depth on the line after losing Kelly and although he is a defensive tackle, adding Hunter will help anyway.
Kelly is now with the Patriots after signing a two year deal as a free agent and he is ready for some playoff football after missing out in Oakland. The former undrafted free agent likes his new situation and said that he has enjoyed working for New England coach Bill Belichick while trying to earn his place on the team. Kelly has been durable for the Raiders over the years and played and started in every game over the past five years and he also hasn't missed out in six of the past seven.
Playing alongside Vince Wilfork will be a challenge and opportunity for Kelly and the team needs to improve its run defense which is one reason why they signed him to a deal. Kelly had one sack last season after having seven in 2010 and 7½ in 2011 and now he has the chance to get more production in New England. He always played for the Raiders without dealing with any serious injuries and the Patriots are hoping for more of the same this season.
