ALAMEDA – Former 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman visited with the Raiders on Monday, with other team meetings left on the schedule.
He cancelled them all.
The former All-Pro inside linebacker signed with the Raiders, Jack Del Rio announced Monday during his press conference. According to multiple reports, the deal is a one-year, $3 million contract. The Dallas Cowboys website first reported the agreement. He had a meeting with the Cowboys set for Tuesday.
Bowman fills a huge need in the Raiders defense. They need experience and depth on the inside. Bowman certainly provides that. Recent play suggests he isn't the top-flight player of recent years, seeming slowed by past injuries to his knee and Achilles' tendon.
He hasn't forgotten how to tackle or play the run or make pre-snap reads. The Raiders need help in all those areas. They have been playing with rookie Marquel Lee and second-year pro Cory James in the base defense. Both guys are dealing with injuries, making this move even more valuable.
The Raiders are operating on a short week, but Bowman's healthy and obviously in great shape, making it possible Bowman could play the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.
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"Not out of the question," Del Rio said when asked if Bowman could play Thursday night.
That's a quick turnaround for someone entering a new scheme with brand new terminology, but he could fit in certain packages right away and help against the run.
The Raiders also need help on passing downs, though it's uncertain how much Bowman can help there. James and undrafted rookie Nicholas Morrow have manned the sub package on the inside. Another undrafted rookie, Xavier Woodson-Luster, filled in for James during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
"He has played a lot of good ball over the years and we're excited to have him," Del Rio said. "We're a little green at the linebacker position, so to add somebody with the experience that he has, we think it's a nice addition for us. We'll get him up to speed and see how quickly we can get him there and on the field."
Bowman's experience and the Raiders' other options may lead him to be a three-down linebacker on this team. Morrow could retain that post after a solid start to his career. Time will tell on that front.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bowman has allowed 11 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets this season. Bowman lost coverage snaps to other 49ers in Week 5 and was set to lose more time to rookie Reuben Foster, a disappointment that expedited his release from the 49ers.
Bowman is a four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, and a winner of the 2013 Dick Butkus Award.
The Raiders should get on-field leadership on the interior and a motivated player determined to prove he remains an impact player despite being cut by a 49ers team he served since 2010.
The Raiders are mired in a four-game losing streak and are looking for a boost on both sides of the ball. Bowman should help a defense that hasn't been half bad recently, but has lacked a presence at inside linebacker.
Del Rio hasn't seen Bowman much this season, but he watched some 49ers game tape this morning and discussed with Bowman at the team's Alameda training complex. Del Rio came away with a solid impression of his new veteran linebacker, who will front a young group right away.
"He's been a tough player," Del Rio said. "He has been a part of a really good defense for his entire career. I had a chance to talk a little bit today and talk about the veteran leadership that would be nice to have."
