Oakland Raiders: Free Agency Checklist

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) dives to tackle Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) dives to tackle Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (72) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (72) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

Plan A: Resign Donald Penn
Sign Keleche Osemele

Plan B: Sign Keleche Osemele
Sign Jeff Allen

The Donald Penn situation is murky at best, but we can infer that he is feeling slighted in some way. Most likely, he wanted a huge paycheck and Reggie McKenzie wants to stick to a certain number. I can understand this mentality for a 33 year old left tackle with a limited future. With that in mind, it is not imperative that the Raiders sign Penn if they can sign Osemele. The versatile guard/tackle from the Ravens played well at left tackle for part of the season and is reportedly viewed by many as a left tackle.

Personally, I am high on the prospect the Raiders drafted in the fourth round last year from Miami. Jon Feliciano however, did struggle when he received starts at right guard. Of course as a rookie that is exactly what we should all expect, but that also leaves the door open to sign a player such as Jeff Allen who is a talented 26 year old guard from the Kansas City Chiefs.

I am open to both possibilities, but Keleche Osemele should be an absolute imperative for the Raiders. His agent would be stupid to sign a deal with the Ravens at this point, and even with the recent cuts/restructures, they simply lack any significant equity in their current cap to make the room necessary to make the sort of contract the Raiders can offer.

Contracts:

Penn: 2 years, 18 million
Osemele: 5 years 65 million, 30 million guaranteed in first 2 years
Jeff Allen: 4 years 40 million, 25 million guaranteed first 2 years

Schedule