A new name was added to the rumor mill when the Dallas Cowboys cut Terrell Owens, although the likelihood of bringing the temperamental receiver seemed to lessen with the news that Walker had agreed to a reduced contract.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

1. Safety: They already cut Gibril Wilson, and as it stands their starters would be Hiram Eugene and Michael Huff, who ended the season on the bench. They may look seriously at Roy Williams, cut by the Cowboys.

2. Offensive tackle: Mario Henderson should start on one side, but Cornell Green is better suited as a reserve. There are serious talks ongoing with Jacksonville's Khalif Barnes, and Marvel Smith (Pittsburgh) is also on the radar.

3. Defensive line: Whether it's a stout end or a tackle, the Raiders need someone big enough and strong enough to hold the point of attack for the NFL's 31st-ranked rushing defense.

MEDICAL WATCH: The Raiders release no information until media availability at OTAs and minicamps. JaMarcus Russell has had minor ankle surgery, and strong side linebacker Ricky Brown had sports hernia surgery.

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.

--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.

--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.

--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

--G Cooper Carlisle: UFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown.

--LB Isaiah Ekejiuba: UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

--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.

--TE Tony Stewart: UFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--QB Bruce Gradkowski (waivers Browns).

--OT Erik Pears: Not tendered as RFA by Broncos; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--WR Ronald Curry (released).

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

--FB Justin Griffith (released).

--C Jake Grove: UFA Dolphins; $29M/5 yrs, $14.5M guaranteed.

--OT Kwame Harris (released).

--S Gibril Wilson (released).