Daily Madden: Free Agent's Failed Physical Is A Step Back For Raiders
OAKLAND (KCBS) - The Raiders rescinded their offer to offensive lineman free agent Rodger Saffold after he failed their physical exam.
"You wish it didn't happen," John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew. "You make a deal like that and you decide that's the player you want (and) you hope the heck that he's physically sound."
The Raiders had hoped Saffold would help fill the hole left by the departure of Jared Veldheer to Arizona.
After the Raiders backed off, the Rams re-signed Saffold.
"(What turned up in the physical) is something he probably had, and has been playing with," Madden said. "So that injury is one that the Rams know, and to them he can still function with it... They know what they're getting and they have a lot more comfort in it than the Raiders would have not knowing the player and not passing the physical."
Madden said it appears the Raiders had no choice but to void the deal.
"You're going to give him $40 million, 20 guaranteed or whatever it was? That's a lot of money. It's not just a free agency trial, it's a free agent you're committing at least $20 million to."
When asked by Anchor Stan Bunger if the team may have had buyer's remorse, Madden said that's probably not the reason to void the deal.
"I don't think so. I don't think you would use not passing the physical," said Madden. "I mean...I guess you could overturn that and say 'I don't care what the doctors say...I'm going to give him the $40 million anyway."
Daily Madden
Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM.
