National Football League

Morrison signs tender with Raiders

Published Apr. 15, 2010 3:23 a.m. ET

foxsports

Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison has signed his restricted free agent tender contract offer with the Oakland Raiders.

Morrison says he signed the deal Wednesday that will pay him about $2.5 million for next season if he makes the team. The Raiders put only a third-round tender on Morrison. But no team was willing to give up that pick to sign him. Now that Morrison is under contract, the Raiders are able to trade him if they desire.

Morrison has been the leading tackler on the Raiders the past four seasons. But Oakland has had one of the league's worst run defenses in that time. If Morrison remains with the Raiders he will likely compete with Ricky Brown for the starting middle linebacker spot.