Oakland Raiders free agency: Jordan Devey grade, reaction
By Brad Weiss
The Oakland Raiders needed to add depth to the interior of their offensive line, and they did just that by signing former Kansas City Chiefs center Jordan Devey.
The Oakland Raiders lost two big pieces to their offensive line puzzle this offseason, trading away Kelechi Osemele to the New York Jets, and then seeing Jon Feliciano head to the Buffalo Bills in free agency. During their time in Oakland, Osemele went to two Pro Bowls, and Feliciano provided solid depth at center and guard.
While both men will be hard to replace, the Raiders did add depth in the interior on March 21, as they signed former Kansas City Chiefs center Jordan Devey. A backup during his time with Kansas City, Devey did start two games for the team last season, but a torn pec muscle ended his season after seven games.
Still, he is a guy who will be brought in to win a roster spot, and has the kind of versatility that this offensive line is lacking. This will be Devey’s fourth spot in his NFL journey, after stints in New England, San Francisco, and Kansas City.
Here is the contract, reaction, and grade for Jordan Devey as he heads to Oakland.
Contract Details
Devey signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders.
National Reaction
We have signed OL Jordan Devey: https://t.co/5u4vnE5OgN #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/zEdKAJtIiL
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 21, 2019
#Chiefs lose a free agent offensive lineman to the #Raiders https://t.co/23TDxtwTjk
— Chiefs Wire (@TheChiefsWire) March 21, 2019
In signing Jordan Devey, the Raiders addressed a need on the offensive line with the free-agent departure of Jon Feliciano, who was both the backup center and a sometime-starter at left guard. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Devey has played both guard... https://t.co/GjBTWpnl4Q
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) March 21, 2019
Grade
C+. . Offensive Lineman. Oakland Raiders. JORDAN DEVEY
While Devey has been a career backup, he does come to the Silver and Black with a Super Bowl ring, as he won one as a member of the New England Patriots. Devey is a guy who will be expected to compete as a depth guy along this offensive line, and has the ability to start at the NFL level at both center and guard if needed.
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The loss of Feliciano was a big one, because while he was not a starter for this team, he did bring leadership, and a nastiness whenever he was called upon. This is a Raiders team that is really rebuilding towards something special, and while not splashy, guys like Devey give this team depth at a spot they were lacking at prior to his arrival.