It was an eventful 2017 NFL season for Oakland Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman, to say the least. After being traded from the San Francisco 49ers five games into the year, Bowman had been quickly tasked with helping to lead a struggling Raiders defense.
Needless to say, it did not work out so well for Oakland this year. However, that has not deterred Bowman from shying away from his new home across The Bay in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, according to Matt Kawahara of SFGate:
“I’m known for my instincts throughout the NFL, and I haven’t been able to really use those instincts in this defense because I don’t really know it,” Bowman said. “I don’t know when I can take those chances, I don’t know who’s backing me up on certain calls.
“If I’m able to come back next year and get a full training camp in and get used to really communicating with everyone out on the field, I’ll be able to do a lot more. But I’m definitely satisfied with how everything went), how (the Raiders) accepted me, and the coaches – how they trusted me going out there and playing as many snaps as I played.”
Bowman's comments are assuring considering how thin the Raiders are at linebacker. It would be difficult for any player to adjust to an entirely new scheme over a month into the season. However, three-time Pro Bowler still managed to not only start the week of the trade for the Raiders but has assumed his usual role as one of the team's leading tacklers during his nine-game stint thus far.
That said, plenty of teams are expected to be in the market for the four-time First-team All-Pro despite his history of severe injuries. At 29 years old, Bowman still has plenty left in the tank and will likely do his due diligence in the offseason.
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