Joselio

Hanson

It’s Hanson’s first known visit since getting cut loose by the Eagles on Friday. The Raiders have one of the league’s more up-in-the-air secondaries, so it’s quite possible Hanson won’t escape Oakland without a contract.

Wimbley is one of a handful of veterans, including Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb, Ravens LT Bryant McKinnie, Eagles CB Joselio Hanson, and Bills DE Spencer Johnson, with roster bonuses due. With Mario Williams out of the picture, Wimbley will immediately become the most attractive pass rusher on the market.

One of the biggest names released at final cuts, it took Hanson all of three days to find a new job. A nickel corner who’s appeared in at least 15 games five times in the past six seasons, Hanson will help settle the Raiders’ shaky secondary, though he won’t be of assistance outside the slot. Oakland is entering Week 1 with some combination of Ron Bartell, Demarcus Van Dyke and Shawntae Spencer on the outside. Hanson has just four career picks.

The Raiders signed the slot corner after he was released at final cuts by the Eagles last season, and he went on to play 571 snaps. With Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins expected to man the outside, Hanson should remain at nickel back in 2013. Going on 32, Hanson graded out positively in Pro Football Focus’ ratings last season, and notched two picks and a forced fumble.

Hanson was getting torched in the preseason, and wasn’t going to make the team. The veteran slot corner should be released with an injury settlement once he’s back to 100 percent. Hanson was decent in 571 snaps last season, so he should get another chance once he’s back to full health despite the rough summer.

Hanson’s release comes with an injury settlement. “Released by the worst team in the league” is a position no player in the league wants to find themselves in, but that’s where Hanson, Hills and Gaither are. A highly-experienced slot corner, Hanson could draw some interest once he gets healthy. He graded out positively in Pro Football Focus’ ratings last season.

Hanson appeared in 13 games with the 49ers in 2004 but didn’t play last season. Nordgren, who signed in May as an undrafted free agent, was Vince Young’s college backup.

He’s likely staring at a 2-to-4 week absence. Mostly playing in the slot this season, Rodgers-Cromartie has tallied just 20 tackles and zero interceptions in nine games. Joselio Hanson should serve as the Eagles’ primary nickel back in his absence.

Hanson’s roster spot may also hang in the balance because he doesn’t help in other areas and is owed an $825K salary, more than twice as much as Boykin. In all likelihood, Boykin will be eased in on special teams while Hanson opens the season as the Eagles’ top slot corner. Boykin should take over by 2013.

It’s a job Hanson has held for several years. He’ll have to stay in front of impressive fourth-round rookie Brandon Boykin to ensure a roster spot.