Dennis Allen has finally landed Ronald Bartell.
Three years ago, when Bartell was last a free agent, he visited the Saints and struck up a relationship with Allen, then New Orleans' secondary coach. Bartell ended up re-signing with the Rams.
Friday, however, Allen and Bartell united. The Raiders signed Bartell to a one-year deal. Bartell, 30, will be one of Oakland’s starting cornerbacks. The Raiders will continue to look in free agency for another starting cornerback and have been in the mix for the Saints' Tracy Porter, who has played for Allen.
Bartell said he is looking forward to playing for the new Oakland coach. Bartell also played for Oakland defensive backs coach Clayton Lopez in St. Louis.
I caught up with Bartell on Friday evening; he said is excited about the opportunity to work with familiar faces.
“This is the perfect match for me,” Bartell said. “I know some of these guys and I fell comfortable with what they are doing. I really look forward to the opportunity to playing in Oakland.”
Bartell, who has 66 NFL starts, missed all but one game last season with a neck injury. He said he is completely healthy.
“I’m looking forward to stabilizing the position for Oakland and showing everybody how effective I can be when I’m healthy,” Bartell said.