ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, hoping he can revive a career beset by injuries in recent seasons.
The 30-year-old Hartwell played only 13 games in 2005 and '06 with Atlanta because of injuries to his knee and Achilles' tendon. He was cut by Cincinnati before the start of last season and sat out the entire year.
He signed with Oakland on Tuesday and will have a chance to compete for the starting strong-side linebacker spot alongside Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. Robert Thomas and Sam Williams shared those duties last season. The Raiders have been looking to upgrade their run defense after allowing a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry in 2007.
The Raiders also signed quarterback Brian White of Portland State and defensive end Greyson Gunheim of Washington ahead of their rookie minicamp this weekend.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
