Raiders: Best free agent fits available entering 2022 NFL Draft
By Alex Perl
Raiders: Best free agent fits available entering the 2022 NFL Draft
Duane Brown – Offensive Tackle
I know it may come as a bit of a surprise to see a 36-year-old (37 in August) offensive tackle on this list. However, Brown still has plenty in the tank to be a solid performer for this Raiders offense.
His best years may be behind him, but Brown is still a very solid performer, and his play in Seattle last season would definitely be an upgrade for a dismal Raiders offensive line.
Outside of left tackle Kolton Miller, this offensive line in 2021 was abysmal, and this may be a bit complementary. As it stands, Brandon Parker will be the starting right tackle for the Raiders, and he was not a very strong performer in 2021.
Bringing in Brown would not only add a veteran presence to a young offensive line that desperately craves it, but he will vastly improve the fortunes of pass protection for the newly rich Derek Carr.
With the play of veteran offensive tackles Michael Whitworth and Trent Williams last season, maybe age is just a number in terms of offensive tackle performances.
Duane Brown is a risky option to add to the Raiders line, but with such a lack of consistent options on the field currently, he may just be a risk worth taking.