Oakland Raiders top-5 offseason moves that will be big contributors in 2019

3. Trent Brown

Trent Brown was the first mega free-agent signing of the offseason, when the Raiders signed him to a 4-year $66 million contract. Gruden and Mayock clearly made this a top priority, giving Brown the largest contract for an offensive lineman in NFL history.

Brown is a great addition for the Raiders, as they’ve had continuous struggles all of last season keeping Derek Carr upright. Carr was sacked a career high 51 times last season, and that must change in order to give Carr time to step into his throws and deliver passes downfield.

Brown comes from the New England Patriots where he protected Tom Brady’s blindside, helping lead the team to a super bowl victory. According to Pro Football Focus, Brown only allowed three sacks and 39 pressures over 1,341 regular season snaps.

Brown also has experience playing right tackle, from his time spent with the San Francisco 49ers during his first three seasons. Gruden and Mayock have confirmed that Brown will serve as the team’s right tackle, and they will keep former first-round pick, Kolton Miller at left tackle.

It’s no secret that the Raiders pass blocking ability last season needed major help, but with bringing in one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, it’s likely that Carr will be provided with more time in the pocket.

Dating back to Carr’s 2016 season, he was only sacked 16 times all year. Providing him with quality protection, Carr and the Raiders finished the season with a staggering 12-4 record. If Brown, and the offensive line can be a ‘wall’ in the effort of protecting Carr, that might be just what they need to get back on track.