Gabe Jackson’s contract became fully guaranteed for the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, and the team was right to bring him back for 2020.
On Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders guaranteed offensive guard Gabe Jackson‘s contract for the 2020 NFL campaign, ending any speculation that he will be replaced this season. Throughout the offseason, Jackson and his $9.6 million contract has been one of the key things to watch in terms of cap space, but it looks like Raiders will roll into 2020 with their 2019 offensive line back in place.
Last season, the Raiders did a nice job adding around center Rodney Hudson, offensive tackle Kolton Miller, and Jackson, bringing in Richie Incognito and Trent Brown. Incognito was coming off being out of the league, and while he brought some old baggage with him, he was a dominant figure for the Raiders, and still has a lot left in the tank.
Brown would go on to be named to the Pro Bowl, as he shifted to the right side of the line and became one of the best in football at the position. With everyone returning for the 2020 season, this offensive line is only going to be better, and that could mean a lot of points for Derek Carr and his new-look offense.
Raiders right to bring back Gabe Jackson
For a team looking to make a mark in a new city, bringing back your entire offensive line made a lot of sense, especially with the expectations what they are in 2020. After winning seven games last season, and being legitimate playoff contenders for a long stretch, the Raiders are looking to take the next step forward, and Jackson is a big part of that.
A member of Carr’s 2014 NFL Draft class, Jackson has gotten better every season, and if he can stay healthy in 2020, he is talented enough to make his first Pro Bow. Incognito and he form a dynamic duo at the offensive guard position, and they will pave the way for a running back group headlined by Josh Jacobs, who should have been the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season.
Jacobs became the first Raiders running back to rush for over 1,000 yards last season, finishing up with over 1,100 yards. This offseason, Las Vegas has brought back Jalen Richard, and drafted Lynn Bowden Jr., giving the Silver and Black even more depth, and explosiveness out of the backfield than last season.
Las Vegas drafted John Simpson in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he will eventually be a starter on this team, as he was an All-American and captain at Clemson. For Jackson, he was too valuable to let walk this offseason, and with the entire line in tact, you have to think this Raiders offense has the personnel to be downright scary in 2020.