Forbes Magazine has released its annual NFL rankings based on franchise worth. It’s not great news for the Oakland Raiders.
The magazine projects the team’s worth at $825 million, making the Raiders the least valuable team in the NFL.
Yes, that’s great money, but it is fairly paltry when it comes to NFL teams. The projection is not shocking. The Raiders have long been considered one of the least valuable NFL teams. A major reason why is the team’s stadium issues. Oakland is trying to get a new, improved and modernized home in Oakland. But the pursuit doesn’t have much traction.
Does this projection affect the team? It could. The Raiders are going to have a major surplus of salary-cap room next season. Theoretically, they could be the prime players of free agency. However, along with cap room, it takes big signing-bonus money to secure the best free agents. Team value could greatly affect the team’s ability to shell out the necessary bonus money that it takes to secure the big fish.
At the risk of piling on (remember, just the messenger here), this CBS Sports reporter believes the Raiders will finish 2-14 and get the No.1 overall pick in the 2014 draft. The bright side, if this scenario plays out, is the Raiders could have their pick of any player in a draft that is expected to be loaded.
In other AFC West news:
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said running back Jamaal Charles could still potentially play Friday night at home against San Francisco. Charles hasn’t practiced since suffering a slight foot strain Monday. The odds are the team will wait until next week to bring Charles back.
Washington cut receiver Devery Henderson. The Chargers might need a receiver because of multiple injuries. So, add Henderson to the list of possibilities. If the team does not like the current crop of available receivers, they could always wait until early September when more players become available.
