Las Vegas Raiders: 5 bold predictions for the 2020 offseason
5. The Raiders trade G Gabe Jackson
Gabe Jackson and former teammate Kelechi Osemele could have strikingly similar departures from the Silver and Black. After being consistently injured, Las Vegas unloaded Osemele and his $60 million contract in a trade with the New York Jets, where the teams also swapped fifth-round picks.
Like Osemele, Jackson has had trouble staying healthy as well. He also, like Osemele, is on a large contract. Jackson is due to hit the cap at $9.6 million and the team could be interested in opening up even more cap room this offseason, as they chase free agents.
Jackson missed 5 games during the 2019 NFL season due to a strained MCL, and was not able to play at his previous-high level when he returned. In addition, backup guard Denzelle Goode preformed very well in Jackson’s absence.
On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted the following, regarding the Raiders and Jackson’s future:
Two intriguing names that have been discussed in trade talks as the league year nears opening: #Ravens QB Robert Griffin III and #Raiders G Gabe Jackson, sources say. Jackson is due $9.6M and RGIII is due $2M. Both contracts are not guaranteed and both are tradable.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2020
Trading Gabe Jackson would, without question, net a bigger return than what was received in exchange for Osemele. The Raiders could simultaneously increase their draft capital while raising their salary cap space. If the Raiders decide that he is no longer worth the money, Jackson could be moved sooner-rather-than-later once the new league year opens.