It was hard to believe coach Jon Gruden when he claimed right before the Raiders were embarrassed by the 49ers on national TV that some players were “dying” to play for his team. Oakland had already traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper and was in the midst of a dreadful 4-12 campaign.
Well, given time, circumstances can certainly change, and it appears they have for the Raiders. Newly acquired defensive back Lamarcus Joyner told reporters Thursday that when the Raiders called, his other options faded away.
“I heard coach Gruden called and I kind of did a whole 180,” said Joyner, who planned to sign with a team on the east coast, according to The Mercury News’ Matt Schneidman. “When you look at the Oakland Raiders, they were at one point a prominent and prestigious organization and they won a lot of games.”
Joyner said he witnessed resurrections at his alma mater, Florida State, and with the Rams, making it to the Super Bowl after five seasons with the club. Joyner, 28, said he’d like to have similar success with the Raiders.
Another factor for Joyner was how Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther plan to use him in Oakland’s defense. A safety for the Rams, Joyner will be a hybrid free safety/slot cornerback for the Raiders. “Going from nickel to safety, nickel to safety, it’s what keeps me going,” Joyner said, per Schneidman.
But the mystique of the Raiders, along with coach Gruden, played a part in luring Joyner as well. It may have seemed ludicrous when Gruden said it last November, but the iconic franchise built by the late Al Davis still has appeal.
