Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Pat Lee Era Ends: The Packers Former Second Round Pick Signs With The Raiders

The Raiders have signed free agent CB Pat Lee away from the Green Bay Packers, and I can't say I'm at all surprised. He suffered injuries in 2008 and 2009 that got his NFL career off to a slow start, but that isn't the entire story. When healthy in 2010 and 2011, he couldn't get on the field, and he never developed as a player. The Raiders only gave him a one-year deal, and it couldn't have been for more than $2 million. He's a former second round pick with six round talent.

His best game was in the Super Bowl XLV, when he replaced CB Sam Shields as the third cornerback for a couple quarters. Lee didn't give up any big plays, but it didn't seem like the Steelers realized he was there either. They should have done a better job of challenging him.

Lee barely kept his roster spot at the start of the 2011 season. He played extensively in their final preseason game against Kansas City, and he was OK. He gave up a lot of yards against the Tyler Palko led Chiefs. But he was the best of the rest, and he deserved his roster spot. Only later did we see how bad the Packers secondary was in 2011, and despite all their struggles as they gave up the most passing yards ever in a season, Lee was never given an opportunity. It isn't that "he just needs game experience" he just isn't that good. But if his only competition for a starting job is Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer, then he may be given a chance to start at some point in 2012. If he makes their roster.

And don't forget his amazing special teams play from last season. Safety! The Raiders have not found their new kick returner, if they were looking for one.

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