Raiders might not franchise Zach Miller

[Nicbsbll2]

If he's going to be a restricted free agent, why would they even think about franchising him?

[Jackofalltrades]

Easy: Al Davis.

[Mr. Scot]

If he's going to be a restricted free agent, why would they even think about franchising him?

Because he might be unrestricted. Depends on the CBA.

[bleys]

No draft picks will count in this years draft.. any FA acquisition will come through future draft picks.

unless of course the unexpected happens and a CBA is formed before the draft.. and if so, we'll have an incredible opportunity to shore up holes on our team before we assume the draft is the only avenue to go..

[Kurb]

*salivates*

[Swarly]

Miller is a guy you open the wallet for. He's worth overpaying, he has the talent to be the type of TE's that teams fear and must game plan around. Miller has produced on a team with quarterbacks such as Jawalrus Russel, Jason Campbell, and a bunch of other randoms.

No matter who our QB is next season, whether it's Newton, Clausen, Moore, Volek, whoever.. we need to surround them with as much talent as possible.

[Snake]

God I hate all this CBA crap. I just wish they would meet in the middle and lets get back to football. I want some FA dammit!!!!!!111!!!1

[Delhommey]

I'd take him over Lewis 10 times out of 10. He's been a constant producer regardless of the offense while Lewis had a fatal case of the dropsies up to his contract year.

[Kurb]

I'd take him over Lewis 10 times out of 10. He's been a constant producer regardless of the offense while Lewis had a fatal case of the dropsies up to his contract year.

This.

Miller has been super steady his whole career. Big time player in the making.

[Primetime 89]

as long as Jeff King is off the field next year I'm happy

[Urrymonster]

I'd take him over Lewis 10 times out of 10. He's been a constant producer regardless of the offense while Lewis had a fatal case of the dropsies up to his contract year.

This.

Miller has been super steady his whole career. Big time player in the making.

Hmmm, whilst Miller has certainly shown to have better hands, the difference is not really as much as you seem to make out. The difference works out to around 4 more drops per season, which isn't exactly ground breaking.

What you are both over looking is how much better Lewis is as a blocker. He is one of the best in the league, which goes back to Rivera saying they wanted a TE who can do it all, rather than a rotation by comittee.

Lewis is the more complete TE and has shown a better ability to be a big play receiver, with his 14 TDs to Miller's 9 over the last 3 years. He also has a higher average per catch and has made 21 defenders miss compared to Miller's 14.

Miller is steady and has had a ton of opportunities due to the majority of Oakland's QBs using him as the primary reciver, yet he hasn't done much more than being reliable.

Both would be obvious upgrades, but you are fooling yourself if you think Lewis is not the better player.

Dropsies

Miller (1 drop every 16.5 targets)

08 - 7 drops in 83 targets

09 - 4 drops in 92 targets

10 - 5 drops in 89

Lewis (1 drop every 9.4 targets)

08 - 12 drops in 64 targets

09 - 4 drops in 49 targets

10 - 5 drops in 85 targets

[OchoNueve]

Lewis had a steadier, more dedicated, less fat quarterback throwing to him most of his career.

[DaCityKats]

both lewis or miller would be major upgrades over in the te department.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Miller not tagged, just saw on ESPN. Raiders place franchise tag on a LB.