The big news for the Raiders on the eve of the free agent negotiating period is the return of center Andre James. Which may not be the big news many were hoping for, there’s good reason for them doing it.
Look, I get the lack of enthusiasm, I really do.
The sixth year former undrafted tackle hasn’t been great at center over the past three seasons. At times he’s been replacement level at best. But right now replacing him is a tricky proposition.
The Raiders had three starting offensive linemen headed for free agency this offseason. All three leaving would mean left guard Dylan Parham would shift to center, which would mean they were looking at having new starters at four of five line positions, with three new faces. That’s not a situation you want to voluntarily put yourself in.
I know, I know “Why don’t they just sign another interior lineman?”
Well, they needed two. And a tackle.
“Draft them!”
No QB then?
“…in the second round.”
Ok, that’s one. And that’s provided they don’t trade that pick to move up to get that QB in the first round. It gets risky after the second round that you’ll get a day one starter.
“Good point. Free agency it is!”
So, outbid the rest of the league for two (or three) of a handful of top offensive linemen and hope there is some money left over to add two DT’s, a corner, and potentially a RB and WR as well?
“Uhhhmm…”
Exactly
Look, I have been as critical as anyone of James throughout his career. Trust me on that. But this is about more than that. He had a decent season in 2023. Probably the best of his career. And in their current predicament, that could be enough.
There are simply too many positions to think about to head into this week needing three new starters on the OL.
The most sensible move was to keep Parham at guard and re-sign James. From there they can head into free agency needing one guard and one tackle. Try and get at least one sure starter and one potential starter and then be in a good spot come draft time.
