After four conference calls Thursday with offensive signings, two players from the other side of the ball finally came on the line. The Raiders were active in the second wave of free agency with the additions of wide receiver Jordy Nelson, running back Doug Martin, fullback Keith Smith and tight end Derek Carrier. Now it was Marcus Gilchrist and Tahir Whitehead’s turn.
Gilchrist, the former Texans, Jets and Chargers safety, is a candidate to start beside Karl Joseph in Oakland’s depleted secondary. Whitehead is a versatile linebacker capable of playing all three positions in the second tier of Oakland’s defense.