The Oakland Raiders have made some big moves in free agency this offseason, and many believe that they have made a significant jump in the AFC West, as they look to catch the defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos. While the Raiders have taken a big step forward this offseason, the Broncos have lost some major pieces on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Brock Osweiler to the Houston Texans.
The Silver and Black have made significant some moves on their offensive line in free agency this offseason, landing free agent offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele and re-signing offensive tackle Donald Penn. The Raiders moves this offseason have put them in the conversation with the Dallas Cowboys for the best offensive line in the league, but that hasn't stopped them from continuing to look to add more pieces.
Both the Broncos and the Raiders have reached out to former New York Giants offensive lineman Will Beatty for a visit, but he declined both invites, as he wants to be fully healed from his shoulder surgery before meeting with teams. "I want to make sure I can perform and show who I really am," Beatty said. "I don't want to show them an injured Will. I don't want to visit and say 'It'll get better.' I want to be good and ready to go. I want to say 'I'm ready and I can be your guy."
Beatty expects to be cleared by doctors in New York on Monday and will start meeting with NFL franchises after getting the green light. The Giants released Beatty earlier this offseason after he has missed the entire 2015 season with a torn pectoral and shoulder injury. The former Giants offensive tackle has played on both sides of the offensive line, and prior to an injury plagued 2015 season had started 47 of the Giants' 48 games from 2012 to 2014.
"I'm going to be great this season," Beatty said. "I'm ready to go. This will be a new start for me, a new chance for me. I don't want to miss any of it." Both the Raiders and Broncos have added some pieces to their offensive lines in free agency this offseason, but Denver has lost some key pieces up front as well.
It will be interesting to see where Beatty lands in free agency in 2016, as he likely can still be a viable starter in the league and would be a strong addition to any roster. The Giants could also look to bring him back on a cheaper contract, but after an abrupt ending in New York, his return seems unlikely.
