Sources close to Raiderfans.net have stated that Reggie Kelly could be close to signing a deal with the Silver & Black.
Kelly, 30, is an 8-year veteran who has played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals.
At 6’4, 255 pounds, Kelly will provide Oakland much needed help in their blocking schemes at the tight end position. Kelly, an intangible player, who is known to have a solid work ethic that will add good chemistry to the locker room, also reportedly fielded offers from the Arizona Cardinals and the Falcons.
The former Mississippi State star was drafted by Atlanta in 1999 in the 2nd round (42nd overall), and spent 4-seasons there before signing with the Bengals as unrestricted free agent on March 13th, 2003. In 2002, he established himself as a solid blocker, starting every regular season contest and being an integral part of a Falcon team that reached the playoffs and ranked 4th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (148.0).
He has compiled 133 receptions, for 1,300 yards and 5 touchdowns throughout his career.
In 3-straight seasons as a Bengal, he helped Rudi Johnson top 1,300 yards mark in rushing.
Bengals’ quarterback Carson Palmer has high regard for the tight end, stating “Reggie Kelly is the best teammate I’ve ever had — the best I’ve ever had on a team, and I know he’s that way for a number of guys on this team.”
“Guys like Kenny Watson and Reggie Kelly need to be on this team next year,” Palmer commented.
Oakland needs a boost in their blocking along the offensive line – a presence that has been missed since the departure of Roland Williams. Courtney Anderson, Randall Williams and John Madsen are more adept as pass catchers, and not known for their ability to pass or run block. After allowing 72-sacks and ranking once again at the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards, the addition of Kelly should help Oakland solidify the overall blocking system in their offense.
In 2006, Kelly posted the 2nd highest totals in his career, with 21 receptions and 254 yards.
Another Bengal, tackle Willie Anderson, reiterated the importance of bringing back his teammate, “I understand there is a business side to football and I pray the two sides can come together and bring Reggie back.”
He continued, “In our running game, the tight end has to be a beast. Reggie’s a 250-pound man taking on defensive ends one-on-one and he wins 90 percent of the time. And he knows how to run routes and get open in the red zone as a big target for Carson. For what we do, he’s the best in the league and I don’t know if anybody else can or would be willing to do what Reggie does.”
http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=97379
Kelly, 30, is an 8-year veteran who has played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals.
At 6’4, 255 pounds, Kelly will provide Oakland much needed help in their blocking schemes at the tight end position. Kelly, an intangible player, who is known to have a solid work ethic that will add good chemistry to the locker room, also reportedly fielded offers from the Arizona Cardinals and the Falcons.
The former Mississippi State star was drafted by Atlanta in 1999 in the 2nd round (42nd overall), and spent 4-seasons there before signing with the Bengals as unrestricted free agent on March 13th, 2003. In 2002, he established himself as a solid blocker, starting every regular season contest and being an integral part of a Falcon team that reached the playoffs and ranked 4th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (148.0).
He has compiled 133 receptions, for 1,300 yards and 5 touchdowns throughout his career.
In 3-straight seasons as a Bengal, he helped Rudi Johnson top 1,300 yards mark in rushing.
Bengals’ quarterback Carson Palmer has high regard for the tight end, stating “Reggie Kelly is the best teammate I’ve ever had — the best I’ve ever had on a team, and I know he’s that way for a number of guys on this team.”
“Guys like Kenny Watson and Reggie Kelly need to be on this team next year,” Palmer commented.
Oakland needs a boost in their blocking along the offensive line – a presence that has been missed since the departure of Roland Williams. Courtney Anderson, Randall Williams and John Madsen are more adept as pass catchers, and not known for their ability to pass or run block. After allowing 72-sacks and ranking once again at the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards, the addition of Kelly should help Oakland solidify the overall blocking system in their offense.
In 2006, Kelly posted the 2nd highest totals in his career, with 21 receptions and 254 yards.
Another Bengal, tackle Willie Anderson, reiterated the importance of bringing back his teammate, “I understand there is a business side to football and I pray the two sides can come together and bring Reggie back.”
He continued, “In our running game, the tight end has to be a beast. Reggie’s a 250-pound man taking on defensive ends one-on-one and he wins 90 percent of the time. And he knows how to run routes and get open in the red zone as a big target for Carson. For what we do, he’s the best in the league and I don’t know if anybody else can or would be willing to do what Reggie does.”
http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=97379
