The Las Vegas Raiders went into the new league year with several notable voids to fill up front.
The Raiders made headlines with their decision to change to go with a clean slate along the offensive line. They solidified this notion by parting ways with Trent Brown, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson.
Such significant turnover has certainly raised some eyebrows, given their supposed expectations for the 2021 NFL season. Fortunately, they did manage to somewhat stop the bleeding by holding on to some familiar faces.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders have re-signed offensive lineman Denzelle Good to a two-year deal:
The #Raiders are re-signing OL Denzelle Good to a 2-year deal, source said. So with all the likely departures, they keep one home.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
Guard Richie Incognito also announced that he will be returning on a one-year deal.
Guess who’s back!! @Raiders #JustWinBaby #ImNotGoingAnywhere https://t.co/W0glK2lZ1D
Video Cred 🎥@BrandonThornNFL pic.twitter.com/VdVSXnyWqc
— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) March 17, 2021
Bringing back both players helps alleviate some of the recent changes made up front by head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock. Good’s deal is reportedly worth $8.36 million that includes $3.19 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Incognito’s contract is worth up to $2.62 million with $1.1. million guaranteed.
Good is poised to provide the Raiders with plenty of bang for their buck amid their recent cost-cutting moves. The veteran was one of the few silver linings for this injury-riddled group after stepping up as a starter 14 games during the 2020 campaign.
Good’s versatile skill set gives Las Vegas some flexibility as they continue to try and fill the rest of the empty spots along the offensive line. Although he is best when lined up at left guard, he showed he was more than capable of filling it at tackle when needed.
Incognito was released earlier this month after playing in just two games last season due to injuries. However, it seems his departure was only temporary as Los Vegas continued to work out its cap situation.
The move indicates that the Raiders are not yet confident enough to give second-year guard John Simpson a chance at an increased role. Simpson will be relied upon to provide some quality depth behind Good and Incognito for at least another year.
Las Vegas still has plenty of work to do if they hope to make sense of their recent fire sale upfront. Bringing back players of Good and Incognito’s caliber was certainly a step in the right direction.
The pair will now serve as a stabilizing factor alongside tackle Kolton Miller until the rest of the spots are filled.
