Oakland Raiders Unrestricted Free Agents: Stay or Go

By Maliik Obee | Jan 18, 2017

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is defended by Buffalo Bills linebacker Preston Brown (52) on a 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Menelik Watson (71) celebrates as he runs off the field after a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Menelik Watson

Stay.

When Mike Tice and the Raiders moved Menelik Watson from right to left tackle in the Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans, to put it simply, he was abused.

Fortunately, Oakland won’t need him to play left tackle next year, so he can stay where he is comfortable. With potential studs available in both free agency and the draft, there is no guarantee Watson will be the starting right tackle season. But if he is called upon, Raider Nation should take solace in that fact that he is at least is serviceable.

When not injured, Watson can perform, receiving a 69.1 rating from Pro Football Focus on the year. While that’s not great, it’s acceptable, considering starter Austin Howard was terrible.

The best thing about Watson is his price tag, making just over $1.5 million in 2016. Considering the concerns surrounding his ability to stay healthy, he shouldn’t be expensive for Reggie McKenzie to re-sign.

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