What the Richie Incognito signing means for Raiders guard position

The Raider signed controversial offensive guard Richie Incognito on Tuesday, what does his signing mean for the rest of the guards on the roster?

Interesting, controversial, risky…whatever you want to call it, the Raiders upgraded at the guard position by signing former Buffalo Bills guard Richie Incognito. On the field, Incognito is a Pro-Bowl caliber player. Off the field, Incognito is a loose cannon. However, the Raiders feel as though they can offer him the support he needs and help him get his career, and more importantly, his life back on track.

Incognito will be 36-years-old when the Raiders begin their 2019 season. Financially, the risk is minimal as reports are that the Silver and Black nailed him to a one-year prove it deal for the veteran minimum. If Incognito keeps himself clean off the field, this could be a very shrewd move by the Raiders brass.

As it stands, the 6-foot-3, 320 pound Incognito projects to start at left guard for the Raiders, between Kolton Miller and Rodney Hudson. The 11-year vet most recently played in Buffalo from 2015 to 2017, retiring in 2018 amidst some personal issues. In those three seasons with the Bills, Incognito did not miss a game and earned Pro-Bowl honors in each.

There is no question about his talent. The year off may have created some rust, but Raiders insiders claim that he looks to be in great shape and is focused on his game. If he returns to his 2017 form, Incognito will be a force on the offensive line.

A mauler in run blocking, Incognito plays with hate in his heart and finishes every play hard. He will fit in perfectly with the big boys up front.

This means that guys like Denzelle Good (who projected to be the starter before this signing), Lester Cotton, and others are likely destined for backup roles or cuts.

Good was a backup last year before taking Gabe Jackon’s starting role in the final three games when he exited with injury. The Raiders are only tied to Good for 2019 after extending him in March, but he is a solid reserve player to keep in the mix.

Cotton is an undrafted free agent that many had pegged as a roster dark-horse, now he seems relegated to the practice squad.

Chaz Green and Denver Kirkland, as well as Brandon Parker who is rumored to be moving inside to guard, are on the outside looking in.

Obviously these are just predictions. Incognito could look horrible this offseason and get cut before the preseason while Good and Cotton could perform well and earn a starting role. Green and Kirkland could revitalize their careers and become All-Pros (don’t bet on it) and Parker could be the next best tackle turned guard in the NFL.

Nothing is set in stone yet, besides the fact that the Raiders got better on Tuesday. Hopefully Incognito gets the support he needs and sorts his off the field issues out en route to returning to Pro-Bowl form for the Silver and Black.