Patriots Trade Seymour to Raiders for 1st Round Pick in 2011

NFL News - September 7th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The struggling Oakland Raiders have taken a step forward in there attempt to help their struggling run defense. The Raiders received Richard Seymour from the New England Patriots for a first round draft pick in 2011. Seymour is in the last year of his contract and is scheduled to earn $3.7 million this season. The five time pro bowler was selected sixth overall by the patriots in 2001. Since making their Super Bowl appearance in 2002, the Raiders have given up 141.7 rushing yards and 122 rushing touchdowns per game, last in the NFL. The down slide continued during preseason as they were allowing 192 yards on the ground. In addition, the Raiders have allowed an 100 yard rusher in over half of their games. They were in serious need of help up front defensively which is why owner Al Davis moved so quickly in acquiring Seymour. Oakland released defensive tackle William Joseph to make room for Seymour.

In his career, Seymour has picked up 39 sacks and played on three super Bowl teams for the patriots. The Patriots were looking to become younger on the defensive side of the ball. They added rookies Myron Pryor and Ron Brace to the defensive line as coach Bill Belichick looks to reload defensively. Also, linebacker Mike Vrabel was traded to Kansas City during the offseason and safety RodneyHarrison and linebacker Tedy Bruschi announced their retirements this year.

"Any transaction we make is with the goal of what is best for our team and, as difficult as it is to part ways with a player of Richard's stature, many factors were taken into account when we considered this trade," Belichick said. "As an organization, we feel the trade with Oakland brings sufficient value and is in the long-term interest of the club," he added. "We are extremely grateful for the huge impact Richard's elite level of performance had on our success and we wish him the very best during the rest of his career."

The two teams have spent quite a bit of time in big name player acquisitions over the past two years. Over the summer, the Raiders sent defensive end Derrick Burgess, a two time pro bowler, to New England for a couple of mid round picks. They also received wide receiver Randy Moss from the Raiders in 2007 for a fourth round pick.

The Patriots open their season September 14 against the Buffalo Bills with some new players on their defensive personnel. How much of an impact the loss of some key defensive players and their quest to become younger on defense will be remains to be seen, especially will this recent trade of Seymour.

"He was a quiet leader," second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "He led by his actions. He'll be dearly missed as a teammate and as a player on the field. But we have players that are ready to step up."

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