Marquette

King

The move saves the cap-strapped Raiders $2.9 million. King has consistently been among the league’s best punters, earning All-Pro recognition in 2016 while ranking sixth in punt average (47.4) last season. The Raiders will move forward with UC Davis alum Colby Wadman as their primary punter.

What those personality issues were is unclear. Oakland undoubtedly needed the relief in cap space, but this news sheds light on another reason the All-Pro was released. Former Raiders HC Jack Del Rio also grew tired of King’s antics after he picked up consecutive personal foul penalties in 2016. King will still have several teams interested as he’s consistently been among the league’s best punters.

Released by the Raiders because he liked to dance too much for his position, King is annually amongst the league’s best punters. His 42.7 yards was third in net punting average last season. He will replace Riley Dixon, who remains under contract but struggled in 2017. It’s a solid, if ultimately minor, move for a club that will be playing the field position game with Case Keenum at quarterback.

It’s bad timing for Lecher, whose four-year, $16 million contract is up after this season. The rebuilding Raiders may choose to move on from the seven-time Pro Bowler rather than sink a ton of money into a punter. They have another punter, Marquette King, stashed away on injured reserve.

The Raiders’ punter since 2013, King was slated for unrestricted free agency. He finished last season with an average of 44.5 gross yards per punt, and a 40.7-yard net average. King is now under contract through his age-32 season.

Kluwe’s controversial/outspoken nature, mediocre play and $1.45M contract got him ousted from Minnesota. He’ll fit right in the with the Raiders, who now have their Shane Lechler replacement at a veteran minimum salary. Kluwe’s torn left meniscus is expected to be healed well before camp, where he’ll face some competition from Marquette King.

Primarily a special teamer in Green Bay, Underwood made the trip West to Oakland along with GM Reggie McKenzie.

Unceremoniously dumped by the Raiders after Jon Gruden arrived, King lasted just four games with the Broncos before landing on injured reserve with a thigh issue. King is only a season removed from being one of the better punters in the league, however, and the Texans probably could do better than Trevor Daniel. King would be a good signing if he is healthy.

The Broncos released King in October following an injury settlement. Assuming he’s healthy following offseason rehab for an abductor injury, he remains a true game-changing special teams asset that should land with an interested suitor during team activities. King turns 31 in October.

King has an abductor injury that calls for rest and rehab for three months. Surgery is not needed. King can be a difference-maker when healthy. He should find a new home in 2019.