Raiders Ziegler Re-Works James Deal, Tenders Leavitt, No Comp Picks

HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders GM Dave Ziegler continues to accumulate cap space as the NFL free agency period has officially begun.

Earlier today ESPN reported that the Raiders have restructured emerging star center Andre James's contract. That frees up additional salary cap space.

The Raiders have reworked multiple deals, as their salary cap availability continues to climb including Kolton Miller and Kenyan Drake last week.  There are many reasons.

The Raiders recently resigned Maxx Crosby, and deals are in the works for Derek Carr and WR Hunter Renfrow.  But that isn't all of the story.

Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler came to Las Vegas for many reasons.  One of which was their appreciation for the talent on the Silver and Black roster.  The Raiders have not spent wild money for players they don't believe in, but also have a large level of confidence in the players on the roster.

The Raiders do have holes, and those are being addressed.  But as Ziegler and McDaniels evaluate their roster, they are making decisions based on a myriad of criteria.

Salary cap impact, long-term viability, scheme, and much more.  While internet reports sent the Raider Nation into a frenzy about the Raiders, "Definitely" being interested in J.C. Jackson from the Patriots, it wasn't real.

We reported prior to the free agency frenzy, "The Patriots Bill Belichick doesn't just let players like Jackson walk for no reason.  McDaniels and Ziegler are fresh from being a part of that organization.  If they have a lack of interest, that should tell you all that you need to know."  

I can 100% guarantee you that the Raiders' roster today is NOT the roster that they will enter the 2002 regular season with.

But as the AFC West continues to accumulate talent, it is fair for fans to want the Raiders to improve.  But, only two days into the free agency frenzy, and months away from the start of the season, now is not the time to panic.

While fans do not like the term, "Trust the process,"  the new Raider way is based on Bill Belichick at the New England Patriots and Nick Saban at the University of Alabama.  Both men are respectfully the best to ever coach in the NFL and college.  It is that process, that should lend to any reasonable person, some grace for Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels.