Still Undecided at Linebacker, Raiders Sign Free Agent Hunley

The Raiders said they were only checking out Ricky Hunley last week in case a need arose. One must have arisen because they signed him Tuesday.

Hunley, the seventh overall choice in the 1984 draft, played three seasons with the Denver Broncos and two with the Phoenix Cardinals, who cut him this summer.

He’s an inside linebacker and the move suggests that Jackie Shipp’s days may be numbered. Shipp has started the first three games, in which the Raiders have allowed an average of 167 yards rushing. Jerry Robinson, the projected starter, has been out since the start of camp with a groin pull and his return is still indefinite.

The Raiders have made seven linebacker moves since the season started. At one outside spot, they tried Otis Wilson, then Emanuel King and may now switch to Linden King.

To clear a spot for Hunley, the Raiders waived safety Derrick Crudup.

They also got back defensive end Mark Mraz, whose suspension for steroid use was lifted by the National Football League. Mraz will get a one-game exemption before he counts on the roster.