Raiders require radically-refreshed roster

Reggie McKenzie went to the chopping block during the the 2013 offseason, replacing several big-money players with others that showed promise.

Now, moving into 2014, there are a number of players that probably won’t return, whether it’s through free agency, by trade, or by team release.

Of those players, none is more well-known than quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

During a sitdown with Bay Area reporters, McKenzie said he would be looking to sign a veteran during the offseason.

Both McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen have also stated that they don’t believe the team’s future quarterback is on their roster.

With Matt McGloin outperforming Pryor in 2013, and only two spots typically reserved for quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, Pryor appears the odd man out.

It’s also possible that McGloin gets the boot as well. There’s one question about how that might occur, however, will it be by trade or release?

There’s also the possibility that both are traded for draft picks, which by the numbers, would be the smartest option.

Would a team with an aging quarterback trade a third-day pick for either? The answer is no. Maybe. Yes. Who knows.

Teams in that predicament are Dallas, Denver, New England, Arizona, Pittsburgh and New Orleans. There are also a few more teams that are desperate for a new, young quarterback: Jacksonville, Minnesota and Cleveland.

With nine teams looking, and only a handful of “draftable” quarterbacks available, there’s reason to believe that a team will offer anywhere from a third or fourth round pick for either. Those same teams would be hard-pressed to do any better at QB with the very same draft pick.

If either — or both — are cut, it really might be the best thing for them. Often times players’ careers are hampered by being placed on bad teams early on. Regardless of how well McKenzie did with the little cash he had to spend, the Raiders’ 4-12 record screams “we suck.”

There is also a talented free agent class of receivers seeking work, led by Jeremy Maclin and Anquan Boldin.

Raiders Greg Jenkins, Jacoby Ford, Juron Criner and Andre Holmes are guys that could be on the block. They have no trade value, save for Andre Holmes, who’d garner a sixth rounder at best.

Darren McFadden, Mike Jenkins and Andre Gurode also appear to be roster casualties.

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