The front office of the Oakland Raiders has done a phenomenal job in drafting and assembling the pieces of a successful roster, as was evident in their resurgent 12-4 season in 2016. General manager Reggie McKenzie heads into a crucial offseason, with many important pieces to consider.
As each season passes, each NFL team has to consider the impending free agents and contract situations for their roster. The front office enters each offseason with a different amount of cap space, while attempting to re-sign crucial pieces and potentially drawing in players from other teams.
In fact, McKenzie has roughly $41.2 million in available cap space, as they are committed to roughly $132 million of their projected $175 million cap space. While the main concern for the Raiders is re-signing Derek Carr and Khalil Mack, the organization also has their eyes open to other available options.
It seems as though the Raiders are interested in the tight end market, as they are interested in a Super Bowl winning tight end, via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe:
2 nuggets as I head home from the Combine: Pats remain interested in bringing back Marty Bennett, though Jags & Raiders are interested, too
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 4, 2017
Martellus Bennett was a key fixture in the Patriots offense, especially when Rob Gronkowski was ruled out for the season. Although they were almost unstoppable alongside one another, Bennett made a huge leap in production when he got involved with both the blocking and passing schemes.
His team mentality and ability to gel with teammates is welcomed into any locker room, a huge plus to the contributions he already makes on the field. In 16 games played this season (12 starts), Bennett hauled in 55 receptions for seven touchdowns and 701 receiving yards.
The nine-year veteran is already gaining attention in the NFL, as a starter than can make an immediate impact. Bennett has stated that he wants to return to the New England Patriots, but is open to leaving if an agreement cannot be reached.
Besides the Raiders, the Jacksonville Jaguars have also been mentioned amongst teams that are interested in the 29-year-old tight end.
