Seymour Must Report to Raiders in 5 Days

By KC Downey in Featured, Patriots ⋅ September 11, 2009 at 7:53am ⋅ Post a comment

Defensive lineman Richard Seymour now has five days to report to his new team, the Oakland Raiders. Seymour has failed to report to the team since being traded from the Patriots to the Raiders last Sunday. The Patriots received a 2011 first round pick as compensation.

Seymour was sent the “five-day letter,” which means he must report within five days, or face league suspension. If Seymour fails to report, he will be suspended for the year, lose his entire $3.685 million salary, and lose the opportunity to seek free agency in the 2010 offseason.

Assuming Seymour doesn’t report, the Raiders would retain his rights in 2010 at his 2009 salary ($3.685 million), and the Patriots would keep Oakland’s 2011 first round pick, also known as highway robbery.

Oh, by the way, Oakland’s first game is Monday night against the Chargers.

My guess is that Seymour is looking to negotiate a contract extension with the Raiders, or his agent is doing what he can to work out a sign-and-trade with a team in contention. It’s unlikely that any other team in the NFL would give up a potentially high first round pick, however. He also could possibly retire, which would be a shock, given that he’s only 29 and has millions of dollars awaiting him.

My Advice to Seymour

Play out the season. Play hard, play well, and play like you’re playing for a contract…because you are. After Seymour has a solid season with the Raiders, the Redskins or Cowboys or any other potential contender will be calling, ready to sign him to a big payday.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Oakland Raiders, Patriots, Richard Seymour

Discussion

One comment for “Seymour Must Report to Raiders in 5 Days”

I hear he wants a promise not to be franchised, but the Raiders want to get something for him and won’t guarantee that. So, he’s looking at doing two years in Oakland. I agree though, he now owes them a year of service, so might as well get it over with and see if someone will trade for him next year, despite the franchise tag.

Posted by Mike | September 11, 2009, 2:49 pm