The Oakland Raiders continue with their rebuilding plan by signing Kicker Sebastian Janikowski on a new 4 year deal worth $16m making him the highest paid kicker in the NFL. Janikowski who would have become a free agent on Feb 25th has had a great season with 26 field goals from 29 attempts including 6 over 50 yards crowned by a spectacular 61 yarder, which was the 4 longest in NFL history. Janikowski was a 1st round draft pick in 2000 being picked by the Raiders at no 17 and although he was a bit inconsistent early in his career which included 10 misses in his rookie season he is now one of the most reliable and 2009-2010 was his best yet.

Oakland have shown their ambition of late having secured potential free agents Pro Bowl Punter Shane Lechler, Corner Nnamdi Asomugha and defensive tackle Tom Kelly. The big test of their ambition will be whether to resign Richard Seymour who cost a 2011 1st round draft pick in a trade from the Patriots. I expect that they will make a big effort to secure him and failing that place the franchise tag on him so securing his services for at least another year.

With Denver still rebuilding and San Diego possibly starting to show some cracks The Raiders might be positioned to make a bit more of a noise in the AFC West in the next couple of seasons.

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