Advertisement

Raiders Sign Perry After All, and Rams Are Still Crying Foul

Share

This time, it’s official.

After announcing it, then denying that the free-agent acquisition of former Ram offensive tackle Gerald Perry was a done deal Wednesday, the Raiders announced his signing again Thursday.

Perry, the first unrestricted free agent to switch teams under the NFL’s new system, will reportedly receive $3.3 million over three years. That would make him the Raiders’ highest-paid offensive lineman.

The Rams, however, maintain that the Perry signing is not only the first under the new system, but also the first violation of the new rules. They have filed tampering charges with the league office, insisting that the Raiders began negotiations before last Monday, the start of the signing period.

Advertisement

The NFL issued the following statement Thursday: “Our office has been contacted by the Rams regarding the status of Gerald Perry. We will review the matter under our tampering provisions, and will contact the Rams and the Raiders if additional information is required.”

The best the Rams can probably hope for, even if their protest is upheld, is a draft choice.

By Thursday, they were already operating on a new front, actively pursuing free-agent offensive lineman Irv Eatman. The former UCLA player spent five years with the Kansas City Chiefs and the last two with the New York Jets.

Eatman has also spoken with the Raiders.

Advertisement