NFL Trade Rumors 2014: Jermichael Finley Could Join Oakland Raiders

There are talks that Jermichael Finley, a free agent, may be bound to join the Oakland Raiders.

According to Fansided, Finley already has connections to Reggie McKenzie, general manager of the Raiders. McKenzie is also trying to create a formidable roster that will make the Raiders competitive in the next several years. Oakland had issues with their defensive line in the past so McKenzie is spending a lot of time and effort fixing the team's lines to improve overall performance. The GM seemed to be interested in putting Jermichael Finley as a tight end to improve the trenches.

The Raiders understand how a mixture of young players and veterans can improve their offense tremendously. Finley is a viable veteran that can effectively impart his knowledge and experience to the raw talents of Oakland.

Jermichael Finley was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the NFL Draft in 2008. He used to play college football at Texas. He also had a great game against the Arizona Cardinals in 2010 when he caught six passes for 159 yards. It was the second most yards garnered by a tight end in NFL playoff history. In 2012, the Packers resigned Finley to a contract lasting two years and worth $14 million. In a game against the Browns in 2013, however, he had a bruised spinal cord.

Other teams are also interested in Finley aside from the Raiders. Included in the list of suitors are the New England Patriots who isited him as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers, writes NFL.com. The Seattle Seahawks, however, seemed to give up trying to acquire the tight end. The Steelers' team doctor, Joseph Maroon, has cleared Finley to play. 

In a Sports Illustrated report, the Packers do not seem to want to bring Finley back after his neck injury which could potentially end his career. The surgeon who performed the operation has also cleared him to play. The surgery involved fusing his C3 and C4 vertebrates.