With left tackle Donald Penn likely departing in free agency, the Oakland Raiders needed to bolster their offensive line. Now, they can scratch that off their free agent to-do list as the team has reached an agreement with former Baltimore Ravens guard/tackle Kelechi Osemele during the NFL's legal tampering period.
The two sides have agreed to the deal in principle. The signing cannot be made official until the new league year opens on Wednesday.
#Raiders deal for G Kelechi Osemele will make him one of the 5 highest paid OL — including tackles — in NFL. More than $11M per year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
Osemele, who will turn 27 before training camp, is a big get for the Raiders, who need to spend north of $40 million this offseason just to reach the NFL's required salary floor. The versatile blocker was considered by many to be one of the most attractive players on the market this offseason and even placed No. 3 on Around The NFL's top free agents list. The 2012 second-rounder has started 51 games over the past four seasons and has experience at left tackle, right tackle and guard. Pro Football Focus considered him an All-Pro during the 2014 season.
The Raiders have placed a greater emphasis on the offensive line since the arrival of young quarterback Derek Carr in 2014. Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie signed center Rodney Hudson and guard/tackle Austin Howard last offseason and the results show. The Raiders offensive line finished the 2015 season ranked No. 13 in sacks allowed (33) and No. 4 in QB hits (64). Nothing helps a callow quarterback more than good protection.
Osemele's versatility should come in handy as both the aforementioned Penn and guard J'Marcus Webb are free agents this offseason. The Raiders are also hoping fourth-year vet Menelik Watson can return healthy from a torn Achilles to pitch in. But, with north of $70 million in salary cap space and a handful of solid O-linemen left on the open market, Oakland has the resources to continue adding to the front five if they so choose. Former Seattle Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung is perhaps the flashiest name out there this offseason.
We'll keep you posted as the Raiders continue to make moves in free agency.
