Las Vegas Raiders need to start Nick Martin at center in 2021
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders brought in a starting center in Nick Martin, and he needs to start at the position over Andre James in 2021.
In one of the more surprising moves of the NFL offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to part ways with Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson. Long one of the best centers in all of football, it was originally reported that the team would release Hudson, but he was traded away to Arizona a few days later.
For Hudson, the Raiders got back a third-round pick, and then went on a flurry, signing Andre James to a long-term deal, and signing Nick Martin to a one-year contract. While they made an investment for the future in James, the Raiders need to not rush him into a starting job but instead start the veteran Martin.
Martin has started 62 of 64 games across the first four years of his NFL career, and in Las Vegas, he would bring stability to a position that is replacing a legend in Hudson.
Raiders revamping their offensive line
It has been a crazy offseason for the Raiders’ offensive line, as they not only traded away Hudson, but also Gabe Jackson. Also, they released Richie Incognito, only to bring him back on a new deal, while also signing Denzelle Good to a new contract as well.
Finally, they made a long-term commitment to both James, and Kolton Miller, who they made one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the game. Miller has more than earned his paycheck, becoming a better player every season, and rounding into one of the better, young left tackles in football.
Still, heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, right tackle is an issue, this after the team also traded away Trent Brown, who struggled to stay on the field in his two seasons in the Silver and Black. What was once considered one of the more experienced units in the league is now entering a new phase, which is one of the big storylines heading into 2021.
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With so many changes, letting Martin start in 2021 makes a lot of sense, as he has the experience, and would give James another season to continue to develop. Maybe the Raiders get rid of Martin after one season, but in 2021, he needs to be the man in the middle of this offensive line, as the Raiders look to finally make it to the playoffs.