Oakland Raiders Making Push for Rodney Hudson
By Chase Ruttig
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) prepares to snap the ball why facing off against the Arizona Cardinals defense during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Losing out on Randall Cobb on Saturday night after the wideout stayed with the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie is working on poaching from his AFC West rivals to bring in his first big name in 2015 NFL Free Agency according to reports on Sunday afternoon.
FOX Sports’ Mike Garafalo is reporting that McKenzie is pushing hard for Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson, making a big move to upgrade the center position while also upgrading from discontent Stefen Wisniewski who wanted more money than what the Raiders were offering during contract negotiations.
Hudson was one of the best centers in the league last season and would be at the very least a statistical upgrade from Wisniewski, who struggled with snap exchanges with Derek Carr amongst other things in his contract year while the Chiefs’ center had one of his better seasons in the league.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Hudson was a 13 grade during the 2014 season, making him the best center on the market, well above Wismiewski’s grade of -2.3 last year. Making it a move worth pursuing with Wiz likely out the door after icy negotiations over his value with the team.
Garafalo reported that the Raiders are making a strong bid for the center, but like with Cobb there will be the presence of his current team in the race for his services. The Chiefs still being well in the mix to retain Hudson, which could be at the Raiders chagrin.
Raiders don't want to whiff on the first wave of free agency, continue to make a strong push for C Rodney Hudson. KC not out yet, though.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2015
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports also reported that several other teams could be involved in the Hudson sweepstakes, making him unsure that the Raiders can pull off the deal.
Chiefs making a strong push to retain C Rodney Hudson. Not sure they can pull it off, but making an attempt. Many other teams interested
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 7, 2015
It would be a big move on the offensive line if the Raiders could lure in Hudson, who was arguably the best lineman in Kansas City last year, to Oakland to bolster their protection of Carr along with a player who can open up holes for Latavius Murray in the run game. At center there is no better target on the market for Hudson, so there is likely a ton of interest from elsewhere as long as with the Chiefs in keeping one of the best players in the league at his position before March 10 opens up free agency.
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Expect the Raiders to offer a fair price for Hudson like Cobb to outbid the Chiefs, perhaps giving them more of than with Cobb who had the chance to win a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers keep him in Green Bay. Hudson likely has loyalty to the Chiefs, but the Raiders could have a greater chance of swooping the center with the right pitch and the right pricetag.
Until Hudson either stays in Kansas City or visits elsewhere assume that the Raiders are going to be in-play, but their chances are going to be small unless the Chiefs decide to let their starting center walk. Even if there will be other teams in the mix as well, but the Raiders cap space makes them players regardless if there will be the allure of other franchises for Hudson.