The Oakland Raiders are making major moves today with the announcement that they’ve franchised Tyvon Branch and possibly cut ties with Michael Bush. Now even more news has come out that they’ve issued an ultimatum to Kamerion Wimbley, one of the team’s best pass rushers, that they need him to take a cut. Otherwise, he might be free.
ESPN’s Bill Williamson writes, “NFL.com is reporting that a team source said linebacker Kamerion Wimbley will be cut if he doesn’t take a pay cut. That ultimatum to Wimbley isn’t unexpected, but I’m not sure the tactic will work. Wimbley’s agent, Joe Linta, is not the type to blink. If he thinks the proposed pay cut is too steep and he thinks he can get his client a better contract on the open market, he will stand his ground and call the Raiders’ bluff.”
While the Chiefs are set with two pass rushers on the edge, defenses are constantly rotating in new guys and changing looks as the scenarios change. The team could use another pass rusher given the fact that Wallace Gilberry is a free agent (and didn’t perform as expected last season). It’s possible that the team could shift Houston and Wimbley around on the outside and provide Romeo Crennel with some strong looks on passing downs.
Outside linebacker is not the Chiefs highest priority at all. Inside linebacker is a stronger possibility for a free agent signing, not to mention needs on both lines. But Pioli has surprised before and will jump on a good bargain or option if they are there for the taking, leaving no stone unturned. Wimbley could be a nice surprise signing for the Chiefs and one that could reap dividends by making the Chiefs pass rush more dynamic than ever.