While the free agent frenzy — now in its second week — begins to wind down with training camps underway, one team residing in the AFC West lost a key offensive player, while another added a (former) big name to its retooled defense.
The Raiders suffered the loss as free agent tight end Zach Miller agreed to terms on a five-year, $34 million contract with the Seahawks on Tuesday. The deal includes $17 million in guarantees.
It’s quite the coin for a tight end, but Miller was far and away the best available option at his position. Despite playing on an ineffective or downright putrid offense for the first four years of his career, he still managed to total over 2,700 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over that span. He’s no Antonio Gates in terms of stretching the field, but Miller is an all-around threat that would be a surefire starter on most teams around the league.
Miller won’t be joining an offensive juggernaut in Seattle, but they’ll have a chance to put up some points with a new playcaller — Darrell Bevell — and playmaking receiver — Sidney Rice — in tow. Unfortunately for Miller, his trend of having below-average quarterbacks throwing to him will continue as Tarvaris Jackson is expected to start for the ‘Hawks this season.
Nevertheless, Miller is a good bet to put up anywhere from 600-700 yards and five or so touchdowns in a tandem with John Carlson.
The Raiders’ divisional rivals in Denver won’t be shedding any tears over Miller’s departure, but surely will celebrate landing a top-flight defensive end — Ty Warren.
Warren and the Broncos have come to terms on a two-year, $10 million contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Warren was cut by the Patriots last week and Denver quickly became a potential landing spot. Although he missed all of last season with a hip injury, the former All-Pro used to be regarded as one of the best defenders against the run — something the Broncos defense severely struggled with in 2010, ranking second-to-last.
Along with recent acquisition Broderick Bunkley, Warren will likely be penciled in to start along Denver’s defensive line. Coming off of a season in which they exhibited shoddy tackling and a front-seven that was softer than silk, this group has nowhere to go but up under new coach John Fox.
