By John Nestor ||

Napa, CA

The Oakland Raiders and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley agreed to a five-year, $48 million contract.

The deal works for both sides as it give the Raiders more room under the salary cap and Wimbley $29 million in guaranteed money.

Oakland will likely try and use the extra room under the cap to try and keep unrestricted free agent tight end Zach Miller and restricted free agent running back Michael Bush.

Wimbley was set to play the upcoming season for the $11.3 million franchise tag tender before agreeing to the new deal. He is now one of the highest-paid linebackers in the game.

"It was in my best interest and the team's best interest to try to work out something long term to try to get some players in here this year to help make us a better team," Wimbley said. "I was with that. I'd just like to thank Al Davis and the Raiders organization to allow me the opportunity to be here for more years and to give me the chance to prove myself and play for the Raiders."

The Raiders leading receiver the past three years, Miller was reportedly in Seattle visiting the Seahawks on Monday.

"Zach was a Raider last year, we want him to be a Raider now," coach Hue Jackson said. "That thing is going to come to a head here soon. It has to. I feel good about where we are and, hopefully, he'll get back to us, we'll get back to him, and we'll try to get something resolved."

 

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Raiders Sign Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to Five-Year Deal