Oakland Raiders Sign Mike Brisiel and Ron Bartell, Wimbley Cut: Fan Reaction

As speculated, the Oakland Raiders released Kamerion Wimbley on Friday, one year into his $48 million, five-year deal. Wimbley's agent commented in an email, "We tried to make it work all afternoon, but just too many constraints with (the) Raiders cap situation. Reggie McKenzie is a real pro and we appreciate how he handled it."

Showing true class, Wimbley tweeted, " I would like to thank the late Al Davis and the Raider organization for giving me the opportunity to play for the Silver and Black. I will miss Oakland and the great fans of the Raider Nation."

Wimbley is the seventh player to be cut, with Stanford Routt, Chris Johnson, Kevin Boss, Cooper Carlisle, John Henderson and Hiram Eugene, all released, and the team seems to be shrinking before our eyes.

After all the recent cuts, the Raiders finally signed two free agents on Friday, offensive lineman Mike Brisiel and cornerback Ron Bartell.

Brisiel reportedly received a five-year contract worth almost $20 million and Bartell sealed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with incentives. With both cornerbacks Routt and Johnson released, Bartell helps fill a rather large gap and could be one of the better moves we'll see heading into the 2012 season .

Brisiel, on the other hand, will have a lot to live up to with such a lucrative deal. He hasn't been one of the top guards in the NFL, but there have been many players in the past who've reached their potential once they became a part of the Silver and Black.

Bartell played for the Rams for seven seasons, but only got out on the field for one game in 2011 after suffering a neck fracture. The 30-year-old player is said to be one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL and is reportedly back at 100 percent. The former Saint Louis player has eight career interceptions, one interception touchdown, two sacks and 311 tackles.

Bartell commented , "This is the perfect match for me. I know some of these guys and I feel comfortable with what they are doing. I really look forward to the opportunity to playing in Oakland."

Bartell will be an exciting addition to the Silver and Black as McKenzie and Coach Allen continue to put the pieces of the puzzle for 2012 back together.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

More from this contributor:

Oakland Raiders' Campbell Heading to the Bears to Be a Backup? Plus More Free Agency News: Fan's Take

Oakland Raiders' Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team's Future

Oakland Raiders' Aaron Curry Will Stay a 'Christ-filled' Raider, Johnson and Eugene Cut: Fan's Update

Oakland Raiders' Fan's Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices for the Silver and Black

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