Raiders News and Rumors: OL, Derek Carr, Agholor, and more

This past week’s Las Vegas Raiders buzz put a spotlight on the offensive line. Should the starting five-man group stay together, or is it time to break up the unit in favor of cheaper replacements with more money funneled to upgrades for the defense?

In recent years, many would correctly argue the Raiders offensive line has been the best positional unit on the roster.

Kolton Miller made significant strides between his second and third terms, and while he missed two games with an ankle injury this past season, the 2018 first-rounder remained solid on the left end. Rodney Hudson has become a steady rock at the pivot since 2015, earning Pro Bowl honors in three seasons with the Silver and Black.

Nevertheless, aside from Miller and Hudson, the Raiders have question marks at the other three positions across the offensive line, in large part because of cap-space limitations.

Sure, the Raiders can cut quarterback Marcus Mariota and slot cornerback Lamarcus Joyner to save $20.1 million. But with any player, front offices weigh value in terms of production compared to the structure of a contract, especially during an offseason in which the salary cap will take a hit.

The Raiders have to figure out how to handle the guard spots and make a decision on the future of their highest-paid free-agent acquisition under the Jon Gruden-Mike Mayock regime.

Other than that, we’ll iron out the wrinkles on rumors swirling around a possible extension for quarterback Derek Carr and some buzz that pertains to free agency.