Terrance

Knighton

The Raiders badly need to land Knighton to save some face after apparently already losing out on top-flight free agents Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb, and Julius Thomas. Knighton isn’t on Suh’s level, but he’s the next best defensive tackle available and has a long history with new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio.

The Post floats five years and $30 million as a potential price tag for Knighton, who is one of the NFL’s premier run stuffers. Knighton will be 29 before the 2015 season, however, and consistency has been an issue throughout his career. He is tight with Jack Del Rio, who is the Raiders’ new head coach. Knighton is not a fit for new Broncos’ DC Wade Phillips’ one-gap scheme.

That’s “unless he signs early with Denver.” The Denver Post reported 11 days ago that Oakland would be in the mix for “Pot Roast.” The dots certainly connect, as Knighton would reunite with ex-Broncos DC Jack Del Rio. The Raiders have money to burn, and are in need of talent at every level of the defense.

Knighton says both Oakland and Denver are “out of the race” for his services. He says he was low-balled by Oakland. Knighton appears frustrated and surprised by his slow-developing market. Perhaps Oakland or Denver will eventually swoop in and buy low. Knighton has also been connected to the Redskins, Colts and Bears.

It sounds like an emergency surgery. Knighton, who has spent the offseason shedding weight in an effort to receive a big-money extension from the Jaguars, now faces another obstacle toward his goal. The Florida Times-Union reports that Knighton sustained the injury at a nightclub. The Jaguars released a statement Sunday saying that they’re “gathering information” and “their concern is for Knighton’s recovery.” The extent of Knighton’s injuries is unknown.

Knighton reportedly suffered cuts to his eye and the back of his head in his Sunday morning nightclub dust up. According to the police report, Knighton and a friend “repeatedly made threats to shoot people” once escorted out of the club. Knighton underwent emergency surgery Sunday, and his condition “appeared to be serious” ahead of a Monday doctor’s appointment.

“He’s doing good,” Knighton’s mother told the Florida Times Union. Aside from the fact that Knighton suffered the injury early Sunday morning at a Jacksonville nightclub, details remain scarce. The extremely early indications are that he’s avoided long-term injury.

Knighton was able to drive himself to the hospital for the surgery, and the injury does not appear to be career-threatening. He will have to go through several doctor’s appointments before a timeline is established for his return to the football field.

Jags GM Gene Smith promised Knighton would be a “Jaguar for life” if he made a conscious effort to get in shape, and Knighton responded. “I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since reporting as a rookie,” he said. “The number is a lot lower than checking in last year when I came back in the high [360s], maybe even low [370s]. I’m 20 pounds less than that. They’re happy.”

“In good spirits!! Recovery is moving along great,” Knighton tweeted Tuesday. “Can see out of my left eye again and can’t wait for it to be back normal.” Obviously great news, but Knighton is still expected to be held out of football activities for at least the next three months as he recovers. He’s in a race against time to be ready for training camp.