Although the Oakland Raiders may have signed Trent Brown to a lucrative four-year, $66 million deal this offseason, it appears head coach Jon Gruden still thinks very highly of Kolton Miller.
The Raiders have emphasized fortifying their offensive line in recent years through the draft and free agency. Among the notable splashes they made this offseason was the addition of Brown.
There has since been plenty of speculation regarding which side of the offensive line he will play. Many assumed he would be filling in at left tackle considering his massive payday and his success there with the New England Patriots, however, it seems Gruden has other plans.
According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Brown will move back to right tackle while Miller stays at left tackle:
Gruden makes it official. Miller is indeed at left tackle and Brown at RT
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 3, 2019
Gruden’s plans for the offensive line have certainly come with its fair share of mixed reviews. The fact that the Raiders effectively made Brown the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL only to not have him protecting Derek Carr’s blindside has raised plenty of questions.
Gruden’s reasoning likely has to do with a number of factors regarding both linemen. Brown started his career with the San Francisco 49ers at right tackle, however, he was promptly switched to left tackle when he was traded to the Patriots prior to the 2018 NFL season.
It is safe to say that the move worked out for Brown as he helped the Patriots win Super Bowl 53 en route to signing a massive contract with the Raiders this offseason. Despite his success at left tackle, Oakland still has hope for Miller moving forward.
The former first-round pick struggled mightily as a rookie last year. Regardless, it is clear that Gruden has confidence in Miller’s potential.
