Raiders Re-sign or Realign: Nate Allen proved valuable and should be brought back

September 10, 2012: Raiders owner Mark Davis jokes with general manager Reggie McKenzie before the game on Monday, September 10, 2020 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 22-14.

Last offseason, the Oakland Raiders cut Nate Allen then negotiated a new contract with him at a much lower price. Not long after, they drafted his replacement in the first round of the draft with Karl Joseph. Allen began the season as a starter but soon found his way to the bench as Joseph took over.

But when Joseph got hurt and missed much of the latter part of the season, Allen’s talents were called upon and he played well for the Silver and Black. Not to mention the fact that before filling in for Joseph, Allen spent the season earning his keep playing special teams.

Think about that for a moment. Nate Allen was a starter for both the Eagles and the Raiders. Then, last season, he was told that the only way he could stay with the team was by taking a pay cut. He takes the pay cut then watches Reggie McKenzie draft his replacement. Despite all that, we never heard a single peep of unhappiness from Allen.

That’s the kind of team player mentality that Reggie McKenzie has worked so hard to build. Early on we heard about how McKenzie was not the type to take risks on troubled players. It’s not like he would never touch someone with a checked past, I mean he drafted Stacy McGee despite marijuana use and signed Aldon Smith despite, well.. a lot.

But then again, he also had no qualms about cutting guys like Sio Moore and Jonathan Dowling.

Assuming Allen is willing to continue playing as a backup while making a modest salary, he is the kind of player this team should look to bring back. His selflessness and desire to do what was needed of him to help this team is the kind of winning mentality that should be rewarded.

Plus, he makes for a good backup as it was clear with the late season injuries that safety was one of the deepest spots on the roster this season.

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james arcellana

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