Most NFL execs and personnel men expect those who are not snapped up immediately to have a bit of a wait, with the nation's economy having virtually no effect on the top tier players but hitting those in the second level.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

With center Jake Grove and guard Cooper Carlisle failing to be signed before the deadline, the Raiders are looking at replacing two-fifths of their offensive line in addition to finding a starting caliber-tackle.

The Raiders are hoping that since neither man is considered a blue chip free agent and unlikely to get big money they'll realize coming back to a probable starting berth for comparable money under a head coach they like and respect is preferable to casting their lot elsewhere.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Offensive line: At this point, the Raiders are in the market at all three spots -- tackle, guard and center. Only left guard Robert Gallery and tackle Mario Henderson (probably on the left side) are entrenched as starters.

2. Wide receiver: Like offensive line, this is with JaMarcus Russell in mind. As much as the Raiders like Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens, a veteran presence is needed and there are some interesting names on the market such as Drew Bennett, Amani Toomer and Laveranues Coles.

3. Safety: Having dumped Gibril Wilson and Rashad Baker on the open market, 2005 draft pick Michael Huff, 2008 pick Tyvon Branch and incumbent Hiram Eugene make up the deep secondary.

MEDICAL WATCH: The decision to cut Griffith means the Raiders must be comfortable with the slow-but-sure rehab of Oren O'Neal, a power blocker whose presence was missed last year after a promising rookie season. O'Neal could still end up on the PUP at the start of camp.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--FS Rashad Baker played in 10 games with one start and received extensive playing time toward the latter part of the season.

--G Cooper Carlisle has started 31 of 32 games at right guard since arriving as a free agent from the Denver Broncos, although he was better in 2007 than he was in 2008.

--WR Drew Carter suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the next-to-last preseason game, spending the season on injured reserve. He has had four ACL surgeries - two on each knee.

--LB Isaiah Ekejiuba has been one of the Raiders core special teams players for the past three seasons.

--C Jake Grove voided the final year of his contract after making 12 starts and an impressive comeback from microfracture knee surgery.

--DL William Joseph didn't make it through the final cut in training camp but was re-signed during the season, playing eight games and contributing three tackles and five assists.

--WR Ashley Lelie played in 13 games before missing the final three games with an ankle injury, catching 11 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.

--CB Justin Miller helped energize the Raiders kickoff return team, running back two for touchdowns in seven games after he was waived by the Jets.

--TE Tony Stewart caught 11 passes in 16 games after catching zero in 16 games in 2007. He is primarily a special teams player and a blocking tight end.

--QB Marques Tuiasosopo moved past Andrew Walter to become the backup to JaMarcus Russell for the last quarter of the season, although he didn't get in a game.

--LB Sam Williams is a favorite of the owner and hasn't developed as a strong side linebacker but has some special teams value.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--LB Ricky Brown (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) won the starting job as the starting strong side linebacker in training camp, but ended up missing the last nine games with a severe groin injury.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--LS Jon Condo is entering his third year of nearly perfect snaps. Also good at covering kicks on punt snaps.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--CB Nnamdi Osomugha: Potential UFA; $28.5M/2 yrs; all guaranteed with third year team option.

--CB Chris Johnson: Potential UFA; $15.3M/4 yrs, $4M SB; 2009 cap: $3M.

--P Shane Lechler: Potential UFA; $12M/4 yrs, $9M guaranteed.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: QB Bruce Gradkowski (waivers Browns).

PLAYERS LOST

--WR Ronald Curry (released).

--DE Kalimba Edwards (released/failed physical).

--FB Justin Griffith (released).

--OT Kwame Harris (released).

--S Gibril Wilson (released).