The Oakland Raiders made a huge splash in free agency by signing receiver Javon Walker on a six-year deal worth $55 million.
Raiders hand out big-money deal to free agent receiver Walker
The big-spending Oakland Raiders made a huge splash in the free agency market by signing wide receiver Javon Walker on a six-year deal worth $55 million.
Walker left the Denver Broncos last week after the franchise were unable to find any other team willing to trade for him, but he has now landed a dumper new contract.
The deal, which is reportedly worth $27 million in the first three years and $16 million guaranteed, instantly sent tongues wagging around the NFL and could end up being the biggest free agency move of the off-season.
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss netted a $27 million contract over three years after his record-breaking season last year, and for Walker to receive such a lucrative deal is a major surprise.
The Raiders have been splashing the dollars around during free agency, with defensive tackle Tommy Kelly being handed a $50.1 million deal while safety Gibril Wilson received $39 million.
No trade
Walker left the Broncos after they failed to get an interested party to trade with as he was due a $5.4 million option bonus on Tuesday.
Walker has had his troubles in the past, with a knee injury ruling him out for most of the 2005 season before he ended four years with the Green Bay Packers with public criticism from Brett Favre ringing in his ears.
1,084 yards and eight touchdowns on 69 catches in saw him bounce back in 2006 but personal tragedy struck hours after the season when team mate Darrent Williams was slain in a drive-by shooting right in front of him.
Walker also had another knee injury which saw him miss two months last season, but he had started with two 100 yard games and Oakland have seen enough to take a chance by offering him a huge contract.
One further piece of business from the Raiders saw them agree a three-year deal with former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Kwame Harris worth $16 million.
