The deal allows Oakland to avoid using a franchise tag on Seymour for a second straight season. He got about $12.4 million last season and would have been in line for a salary of about $14.9 million next season with the tag. Instead, he signed a deal that will keep him in Oakland for two more seasons.
“It’s a great place to play,’’ Seymour, 31, said late in the season. “The fans are unlike any others in the league. They’re definitely committed, and they want the same type of players to play in this organization.’’
The Raiders’ deal to acquire Seymour was questioned by some because Oakland’s picks recently have been so high in the draft. With the Raiders having their best season since 2002, the Patriots will pick 17th overall in April’s draft.
“You may not think it was a good trade,’’ Davis said last month. “I thought it was a great trade. Still do.’’
Chiefs tag Hali The Chiefs put the franchise tag on linebacker Tamba Hali, who went to the Pro Bowl this past season as the AFC’s leading sacker.
Hali, the Chiefs’ first-round pick in 2006, is guaranteed a one-year contract equal to the average paid last year to the five highest-paid players at his position.
In addition to his 14 1/2 sacks, Hali had 50 tackles, 19 quarterback pressures, and 4 forced fumbles.
“Tamba is a key contributor to our football team, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for him both personally and professionally,’’ general manager Scott Pioli said. “We want Tamba to remain a member of the Chiefs, and we will continue to work together with the hope of reaching a long-term agreement.’’
