Raiders Eyeing Darren Howard
 

Fox Sports' John Czarnecki reports the Oakland Raiders have apparently become the latest team trying to snag DE Darren Howard away from the Saints. Howard, whom New Orleans tagged as its franchise player this off-season, has been on the trading block with the Cowboys mentioned as the team most likely to acquire him. But Oakland has talked recently with New Orleans, dangling players such as its own franchise player CB Charles Woodson (who carries his own $10.5 cap number for 2005) or another disgruntled CB Phillip Buchanon (who would like to be traded). Word is the Saints would prefer to make a deal before the draft, in hopes of also adding another pick from this year's draft. If a Howard deal doesn't happen by the draft, the Saints plan on keeping him.
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that would be a good move for oakland, man they are trying anything to get rid of woodson.

Raiders need D lineman.

Saints need cover corners.

I love the idea of that trade but I just don't see it.

If the Cowboys rumors are true that makes more sense to me that acquiring Woodson even if it does fill a need for New Orleans.

From the Raider perspective not only would they upgrade a position still in need of upgrading, they would save a decent amount of money assuming the franchise numbers. 10.5 mil vs 7.8 million this season.

For the life of me I simply can't understand the lack of interest in Darren Howard. All dude has done since he has been in the league is put up good pass rush numbers. :kiddingme

And the Saints can't even get a 2nd rounder for him.

He had 11 sacks last season.

Like I said I love the idea but I just don't see it.

One ugly contract for another I guess

Problem is; Darren Howard could actually be a problem...like, keep that tub of goo Sapp on the bench sucking down smoothies

No worries, the ego on Sapp will keep him in the starting rotation regardless methinks Wabbit. They literally cannot afford to keep him on the sidelines in a reduced role. God I love their management ROFL!

I was thinking about this the other day...I really would not want this to happen.

The vultures are circling.

Teams know New Orleans don't need Howard because they arleady have Smith/Grant and the Saints don't want to pay franchise type wages to a backup DE so why should any team help them out with an easy way out?

Wait till they get really desperate and might unload Howard for a 3rd or conditional pick in 2006.

After all, Howard wants upwards of a $10million signing bonus and any team interested will have to pay him that regardless of whether they cut him outright for the cap savings or they have to trade for him and give up a 3rd/2nd.

It's just that teams have no problem waiting it out instead of given up that draft pick especially if Howard holds out of camp and beyond.

Kinda like what Henry is doing to the Jills.

If the Raiders were to obtain Howard, the 3-4 would be out the window and Sapp would just man the under tackle spot he played in Tampa.

At that point there would be something like 11 DL on the roster and only 3 true linebackers.
The rotation would probably shake out something like this.

LDE Brayton/Hamilton
NT Washington/Sands
UT Sapp/Kelly
RDE Howard/Burgess