After trading their center of the past six years, the Raiders appear to have settled on a replacement. They are signing former Texans snapper Nick Martin, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Martin’s work will not remind most of Rodney Hudson‘s, with the since-traded center being a three-time Pro Bowler. Still, the Raiders figure to save substantially by replacing Hudson with Martin.
Transitioning to their Nick Caserio regime, the Texans cut Martin after he spent the past four seasons as their starting center. While he did not fare as well as Hudson did in this span, Martin did receive an $11MM-per-year extension from the previous Texans regime. Martin will attempt to rebound in Las Vegas.
The Raiders have made some interesting decisions this week. Their three highest-paid O-linemen — Hudson, right tackle Trent Brown and longtime right guard Gabe Jackson — are gone. The team has since re-signed Richie Incognito after cutting him, and brought back the player who replaced Incognito post-injury last season, Denzelle Good. Las Vegas appears to still have a hole at right tackle, but the other four spots along its offensive line may be set.
However, third-year blocker Andre James may factor into the equation at center. This should be considered James’ job to lose, Vic Tafur of The Athletic tweets. While Martin has a massive experience edge (62 starts to one), he might not be a lock to start in Vegas.
Save substantially in your pocket but it could blow up right in front of Carr’s face.
Until Carr gets crushed and that investment goes on IR!
At this point I don’t blame raiders because when you are thin as them you have to try to get picks and add depth so you can withstand injuries. While they may have regressed in pass protection and line now they might be better suited in long run with how they overhauled the d-line and adding a quality backup running back. Not saying it will work but I can see the reason to add picks and add depth. I still think they need sherman or the safety from the Vikings that’s a free agent on defense but it’s a start. Hope they go heavy on line and maybe another wide receiver in draft
If they love James does Martin start at G and then move Good to RT
Or is there a right tackle they love in the first half of the draft (rounds 1-3) that can be plugged in?