Raiders Lock Up Linebacker for $48 Million

The Raiders once again spent big to lock up one of their key players, signing linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to a five-year, $48 million contract Monday that gives the team more room under the salary cap and Wimbley $29 million in guarantees.

"It was in my best interest and the team's best interest to try to work out something long term to try to get some players in here this year to help make us a better team," Wimbley said.

The question remains whether the Raiders will be able to use the salary cap savings to get two more of their free agents into camp: unrestricted tight end Zach Miller and restricted running back Michael Bush.

Miller, who has led the Raiders in receiving the past three seasons, was reportedly in Seattle visiting the Seahawks on Monday, raising questions about whether he will stay a Raider.

"Zach was a Raider last year; we want him to be a Raider now," coach Hue Jackson said. "That thing is going to come to a head here soon. It has to. I feel good about where we are."

Oakland gave out big deals in the offseason to keep defensive tackle Richard Seymour and cornerback Stanford Routt, and placed the franchise tag on Wimbley to keep him for at least another year.

Wimbley had been set to play for the $11.3 million franchise tag tender before agreeing to the long-term deal that makes him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the game.

He led Oakland with nine sacks last season and is being counted on for even more this year.