DT Opporitunity!

iceshack149 · 02-12-2004, 01:13 PM

Thursday, February 12, 2004
Coleman opts out of contract with Raiders

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1733549

For the second time this week, an Oakland Raider has opted to void the remainder of his contract and become eligible for unrestricted free agency.

ESPN.com has learned that Rod Coleman, a five-year veteran defensive tackle who will generate considerable attention in free agency, has negated the final two seasons of his deal. Earlier this week, ESPN.com's John Clayton reported that tailback Charlie Garner opted out of the 2004 segment of his contract to be able to enter the unrestricted pool once free agency officially begins on March 3.

A former East Carolina star, Coleman figures to be a coveted player once the free-agent signing period begins. The defensive tackle position is traditionally one of the toughest for all teams to fill and Coleman has a rare quality -- the proven ability to rush the passer from the interior -- that will earn him attention.

Despite starting only two games in 2002, Coleman led all NFL defensive tackles with 11 sacks. He fell off to 5ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â½ in 2003, in part because he played hurt for much of the year, and because the injuries to other Raiders defensive linemen. But over the last four years, Coleman has averaged seven sacks per season and, even with a dropoff in sacks in 2003, he still posted a career-best 52 tackles.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 285 lbs.
Pos: Defensive Tackle

[Edited on 2/12/2004 by iceshack149]

[Edited on 2/12/2004 by iceshack149]

02-12-2004, 01:13 PM	#1
iceshack149 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 4,334 Blog Entries: 1	DT Opporitunity! Thursday, February 12, 2004 Coleman opts out of contract with Raiders By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1733549 For the second time this week, an Oakland Raider has opted to void the remainder of his contract and become eligible for unrestricted free agency. ESPN.com has learned that Rod Coleman, a five-year veteran defensive tackle who will generate considerable attention in free agency, has negated the final two seasons of his deal. Earlier this week, ESPN.com's John Clayton reported that tailback Charlie Garner opted out of the 2004 segment of his contract to be able to enter the unrestricted pool once free agency officially begins on March 3. A former East Carolina star, Coleman figures to be a coveted player once the free-agent signing period begins. The defensive tackle position is traditionally one of the toughest for all teams to fill and Coleman has a rare quality -- the proven ability to rush the passer from the interior -- that will earn him attention. Despite starting only two games in 2002, Coleman led all NFL defensive tackles with 11 sacks. He fell off to 5ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â½ in 2003, in part because he played hurt for much of the year, and because the injuries to other Raiders defensive linemen. But over the last four years, Coleman has averaged seven sacks per season and, even with a dropoff in sacks in 2003, he still posted a career-best 52 tackles. Height: 6-2 Weight: 285 lbs. Pos: Defensive Tackle [Edited on 2/12/2004 by iceshack149] [Edited on 2/12/2004 by iceshack149]