Las Vegas Raiders: Grading 2021 week 2 offensive free agent additions
Las Vegas Raiders: Grading 2021 week 2 offensive free agent additions
Nick Martin – Center/Guard, Houston Texans
Nick Martin was a cap casualty as the Houston Texans released him in February to save around $6.6 million after 4 years with the organization. Drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Martin would go on to start 62 of 64 games over the next 4 years and was on the field for 100% of Houston’s offensive snaps in two of the last 3 years.
Martin played center for the Texans and many assumed that he would be brought in to start for the Raiders after signing with the team and given his track record in Houston. After the Andre James extension was announced, the belief now is that he will compete to start at center but can play guard as well.
Signing Martin gives the Raiders a competent starter at center and a player that can fill in at either guard position as well. That versatility is key and was a big need for the Raiders after the team was hit with so many injuries on the offensive line. His PFF grades are usually in the slightly above average range but he is a better pass blocker than run blocker which could be said of much of the Raider offensive lineman last year.
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Contract details were not immediately available but unless it’s some earth-shattering number then this is an excellent business for the Raiders and helps fill the massive hole left by the departure of Rodney Hudson. An offensive lineman with Martin’s ability and durability doesn’t come around every day so he is a welcome addition to the team.
Grade: A