Oakland’s choice to place their franchise tag on pass rusher Kamerion Wimbley comes with a risk. Tight end Zach Miller could hit unrestricted free agency as an extremely productive, reliable 25-year-old.
The Raiders placed the first- and third-round tender on Miller as a restricted free agent. As a player with four years of experience, it’s more likely that Miller will be free to leave after a new CBA is reached. Miller appreciated getting the high tag.
“It does feel good,” Miller told Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune. “It’d be great to be back in Oakland. I really feel like we’re headed in the right direction with Hue Jackson and the way things are going. We had preliminary discussions [on a contract] before deadline and I’m sure they’ll pick up again once there’s a CBA in place and we get back to business.”
The Raiders aren’t afraid to pay big bucks to keep their players and Miller may be one of the most attractive players on their roster. He’s one of the most complete tight ends in football and has averaged more than 60 catches a year the last three seasons.
With Marcedes Lewis and Owen Daniels staying put, Miller is easily the best tight end that will be available. (New York’s Kevin Boss is probably next.)
We’re a little surprised the Raiders made sure to keep Richard Seymour, Stanford Routt, and Wimbley before locking up Miller.