Oakland Raiders hosting Andre Carter

Per Jason La Canfora, the Oakland Raiders are working out former New England Patriots defensive end Andre Carter for the second time, and the Pats are “still monitoring him closely.”

Carter was excellent last season, but the quadriceps injured that he suffered last season has not only made him an injury risk, but it has also greatly decreased his skill at the age of 33. Carter has become less effective as a pass rusher due to the lack of speed and explosiveness after the quad injury, but he is getting healthier and can make an impact for the Raiders.

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It makes a lot of sense for Oakland to take a long look at Carter, because they could use a backup defensive end of Carter’s quality. He should still be about an average pass rusher even after the injury, but his best value definitely comes from his play against the run. That shouldn’t decline much at all, and he was amazing against the run last season.

The Raiders first worked out Carter on the 21st of August before working him out today. He is a hard worker who will get back on track and would be a big addition for the Raiders on the defensive line. Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy make up a solid defensive end duo, but the Raiders definitely need a better backup with Carter being the ideal veteran DE to get significant snaps in the Raiders rotation. They can use some more help on defense, especially when that help comes from a player who had ten sacks last season, in addition to his exceptional work against the run.

It’s interesting to hear that the Patriots are still keeping an eye on Andre Carter, and it’s not surprising at all. The Pats were interested in bringing back the 33-year-old DE this offseason, but the thing holding them apart was money and years. Carter has now realized that only a crazy GM would give him a significant amount of money, and he won’t be getting a multi-year deal any time soon given his age and health. Still, he would be a big addition and would even help out the Pats if he ends up returning.

At this point, I’d say the most likely thing is that the Oakland Raiders end up signing Carter, with the Pats being one of the top three most likely destinations for the vet.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.