Should the Oakland Raiders Pursue Richie Incognito in Free Agency?
After a season embroiled in scandal, offensive guard Richie Incognito brushed off his shoulders and became a Pro Bowler in 2015. Now, he’s involved in prolonged contract talks with the Buffalo Bills that could fall apart. Should the Oakland Raiders make a bid for him?
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie knows about giving second chances. In September, he signed edge-rusher Aldon Smith knowing a suspension could end his season at any point—and it did after Week 10.
Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan created a second opportunity for offensive guard Richie Incognito to leave a lasting impression as a Pro Bowler as opposed to a menacing bully.
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For starters, Incognito already paid the price for his transgressions. He missed the entire 2014 season. Despite two Pro Bowl selections, his name will forever be linked to a terrible narrative that depicts him in a poor light. Is it fair to bury him for what’s left of his career?
Of course not.
In two of the last three seasons when Incognito played 16 games, he’s been a top-tier guard.
According to WKBW.com reporter Joe Buscaglia, the Bills could allow Incognito to hit the free-agent market due to stalled negotiations between the two parties. Apparently, a team-friendly deal isn’t an option for the 10-year veteran who proved his worth on a one-year deal.
On Friday, the Bills continued to bail water to save enough cap space to accommodate Incognito’s asking price. The team released defensive back Leodis McKelvin and saved $3.9 million in cap space, per ESPN.com reporter Mike Rodak.
With less than 48 hours left until the legal tampering period opens between player agents and team officials, Incognito could find suitors seeking a short-term high-end offensive guard.
The Raiders should step to the negotiating table.
Currently, there’s a gaping hole between center Rodney Hudson and right tackle Austin Howard. Offensive lineman J’Marcus Webb struggled at right guard throughout the season and rookie Jon Feliciano isn’t ready to start.
The decision to sign Incognito gives Feliciano two seasons to sharpen his skills, allows the Raiders to prolong using a high draft pick at the position or provides enough time to groom another prospect.
Oakland has yet to re-sign offensive tackle Donald Penn, which potentially leaves two questions within the offensive line.
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If the Raiders want to take a giant leap in the upcoming season, quarterback Derek Carr needs protection and the running backs need space to run. It’ll take more than two exceptional offensive linemen (Hudson and Gabe Jackson) to keep the pocket clean and running lanes open.
Incognito is coming off his best season ranked No. 2 among offensive guards, per Pro Football Focus. Spotrac.com valued the 32-year-old offensive lineman at $4.9 million, but the asking price may creep slightly above $5 million. He’s worth the short-term gain.
In 2015, the Raiders ran 62 percent of their carries behind a weak right guard. Regardless of who takes carries in the backfield, signing Incognito would significantly help the blocking schemes and provide interior protection for Carr. If the Raiders don’t pay him to solidify their offensive line, another team will certainly do so.
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