Free agency looming: Lamarr Houston unsure of Oakland return
Oakland Raiders’ defensive end Lamarr Houston has been a bright spot on a team not exactly chock-full of them this season.
Houston recorded a career-high 6th sack today in the Raiders’ 34-14 drubbing at the hands of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
Houston was selected in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft out of Texas – he was born in San Francisco – and will be a free agent at the end of this season.
While the Raiders will have an influx of riches at their disposal this offseason – several reports have the figure at $69 million-or-so in cap space – Houston is unsure if he will return to the Bay Area.
He is certainly due a significant raise over the $660,000 he made this year, figure courtesy of Yahoo! Sports.
In a report from CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair, Houston discussed his future.
"“I believe that Dennis Allen and the Raiders might be looking to move on and have me go to another team or move on and find something more what they want for their system and their scheme,” Houston said. “Who knows? It’s a rough business and nothing’s guaranteed and everything changes from day to day.”"
Houston expanded on his comments and mentioned his ‘love’ for the team in the report.
"“I believe that they were talking me up and things like that, but to a certain standpoint,” he said. “I believe that, me and the Raiders, I think I’ve had good years and I really appreciate this organization. I love this organization, but as far as what some of the coaches want, I’m not sure. That’s out of my control. I play the best I can and do everything I can to contribute.”"
And so it begins. The question of how Oakland should spend their money will undoubtedly be a prevalent topic all offseason.