News sometimes travels slowly at the NFL Scouting Combine, even for head coaches.
I was in a small group of reporters speaking with Raiders coach Hue Jackson after his podium session Thursday afternoon. Asked about reports the Raiders re-signed cornerback Stanford Rout, Jackson wasn’t sure.
“I want to check my phone to find out what we’ve done,” Jackson said, confirming only they were very close.
NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora has the details: Routt will get $31 million over three years, with $20 million in the first two years.
At first, this looks like another wacky Raiders contract. But Routt had an underrated season in 2010, ranking among the league leaders in completion percentage allowed and yards-per-attempt allowed. He’s a versatile speed demon just entering his prime that has grown better each season.
We’ll never know if Routt could have got this much on the open market. We have our doubts, but we’re sure there are plenty of teams know Routt’s impressive numbers too.
This move, combined with the Richard Seymour contract, seemingly guarantees Nnamdi Asomguha won’t be back with Oakland. (And just imagine what Asomugha will get paid.) Jackson wouldn’t rule out the Raiders trying to keep Asomugha though.
“One thing I know about coach. He likes to keep all his players,” Jackson said.