When the 49ers released NaVorro Bowman on Friday afternoon, the long-time linebacker found himself as a free agent for the first time in his career.
Yet, before Bowman looks too far outside of the Bay Area for employment, Paul Gutierrez told Tolbert & Lund Friday evening that one of his better fits might be just across the Bay Bridge with the Oakland Raiders.
“So if you want to kick the tires, kick the tires,” Gutierrez said. “But I would have him kicking down the whole door and not letting him leave until you get him to sign a contract.”
Three years into his tenure with the 49ers, Bowman signed a five-year extension with San Francisco in 2012. He signed another extension in 2016, which would have kept him on the team until 2022 at $42 million.
Yet, Bowman gave up his contract when he was released by the 49ers, opening the door for the Raiders to sign the veteran linebacker without taking on his high-paying salary.
“I think the fact that he’s been released and is basically a free agent, you don’t have the get that monster contract that comes with him, I think the Raiders have about almost $11 million in salary cap space,” Gutierrez said.
Signing Bowman also fills one of the severe holes in Oakland’s roster. During their 30-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, the Raiders lost their best inside linebacker when Marquel Lee injured his right ankle. Consequently, Lee will miss the Raiders’ Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders LB Marquel Lee was carted off Sunday with ankle injury. Able to walk now. Dealing with sprain, source said. https://t.co/UX0V9FImvD pic.twitter.com/K3aBfBlGPx
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 11, 2017
“All of his pro football focus numbers don’t really add up to what he’s been in the past. He’s a huge upgrade from what they have on the roster,” Gutierrez said. “Plus, Marquel Lee you don’t know how long he’ll be out with that ankle injury as well. It makes too much sense to not at least look around.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and start from the beginning for Gutierrez on Bowman to the Raiders.