The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines with their decision to disassemble their offensive line leading up to the start of the new league year.
The Raiders kicked things off by trading tackle Trent Brown to the New England Patriots and center Rodney Hudson to the Arizona Cardinals. They followed it up by parting ways with guards Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito.
Las Vegas has since managed to bring Incognito back on a team-friendly deal. Meanwhile, it appears they were also able to get something in return for Jackson.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Jackson has been traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The compensation from Seattle to Vegas for Gabe Jackson is a 2021 fifth-round pick, per source. https://t.co/Rod68zcjwH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
The move clears $9.6 million in dead cap for the Raiders while the Seahawks take hits of $9.6M in 2021 and 2022. It also gives them some more draft capital to help fill the many notable voids on the roster following Jackson’s departure.
Although it remains to be seen if quarterback Russell Wilson will be sticking around, Seattle has made moves to beef up his supporting cast. Aside from Jackson, they also signed former Los Angeles Rams right end Gerald Everett to a one-year deal.
While he has spent most of his career at right guard, Jackson is capable of playing on both sides of the ball. He was not charged with giving up a single sack last season as part of the makeshift Raiders’ offensive line and has only missed 12 games since entering the league in 2014.
Las Vegas was able to alleviate some of their losses by re-signing offensive lineman Denzelle Good. Of course, there are still a few spots to fill outside of Good, Incognito, and tackle Kolton Miller that will need to be addressed as the offseason progresses.
Despite the changes, expectations remain as high as ever for the Raiders leading up to the 2021 NFL season.
