Raiders interested in signing Dilfer?

Raiders interested in signing Dilfer?

The Oakland Raiders may not be finished re-working their roster quite yet. According to the Fresno Bee, the Raiders have interested in signing veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer.

Dilfer was released earlier this year by the San Francisco 49ers. The 36-year-old Dilfer started six games for the 49ers last season, passing for 1,166 yards with seven touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 55.1 passer rating before being lost for the season with a concussion.

If he were to sign with Oakland, Dilfer would serve as a backup and mentor to JaMarcus Russell, who is expected to become the starter in 2008 after being the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft. The Raiders also have Andrew Walter on the roster, and it is possible that Daunte Culpepper will re-sign with Oakland.

Ex-Jag QB Quinn Gray to sign with Texans
Barring unforeseen complications, former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray will sign a one-year deal for $645,000 with the Houston Texans, giving them three veterans at the most important position on the team according to the Houston Chronicle.

Coach Rick Smith said last week the Texans prefer to have three veteran quarterbacks on the roster when the regular season begins.

Gray helps the Texans in two ways. First, if starter Matt Schaub is injured again and Sage Rosenfels is elevated, Gray becomes the experienced backup. Second, if they're offered a second-round pick for Rosenfels, having Gray behind Schaub would make it easier to make the trade.

Pats meet with University of San Diego QB Johnson
Developing young quarterbacks is generally considered good business, and if the Patriots draft a signal-caller this year, one player to keep an eye on is San Diego's Josh Johnson according to the Boston Globe.

The Patriots recently sent a high-ranking member of their coaching staff to meet with Johnson for a private workout. Scouts often say that Division I-AA players must dominate if they are to receive serious NFL consideration, and Johnson did that at the University of San Diego.

As part of their draft preparation, the Patriots hold private workouts for several prospects. In most cases, they most accurately represent that the team is seeking more information before giving the player a final ranking on the draft board.