The offensive line was a work in progress for the Las Vegas Raiders throughout the entire 2020 NFL season after being plagued by injuries.
Their makeshift front failed to provide much push as the offense struggled to establish an identity. As a result, there has been some speculation regarding how they will go about revamping this group during the offseason since they are still over the cap.
The interior could certainly use some work with Gabe Jackson and John Simpson currently the only surefire guards. Fortunately, it appears guard Richie Incognito can also be added to the mix.
Incognito has spent the offseason recovering from surgery to remove a loose bone fragment in his ankle. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the Raiders are likely to keep him around after making tremendous strides in his recovery:
But three months later, Incognito, 37, is already back running and is ready to return to the Raiders next season. It’s not a done deal, as Incognito’s $5 million salary for next season is not guaranteed, and the Raiders are currently over the cap.
I doubt that Gruden messes with Incognito’s money, given how much he loves the guard’s intensity and thinks that his leadership was missed last season.
Incognito is already signed for the 2021 NFL season with a base salary of $5 million. With the team currently strapped for cash, there was some doubt regarding whether or not the 37-year-old would be sticking around.
The Raiders still have concerns about the lack of stability on the interior, especially with guard Denzelle Good set to hit the market as a free agent. Incognito’s experience makes him an integral piece of what head coach Jon Gruden is trying to establish and it appears he will be sticking around as long as he can stay healthy.
Regardless, this still leaves Las Vegas with some decisions to make since they are still about $9.1 million over the cap after releasing wide receiver Tyrell Williams. Cutting ties with nickelback Lamarcus Joyner and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota would help take off another $19.4 million.
