Oakland Raiders Free Agency: Rating The Moves So Far

Rodney Hudson

October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

The Oakland Raiders made former Kansas City Chief Rodney Hudson the highest paid center in the league with a 5-year $44.5 million deal, as reported by Marc Sessler of NFL.com. With Stefen Wisniewski pricing himself out of a contract with the Raiders, Hudson was targeted by McKenzie as a replacement and an upgrade for the former Penn State lineman. Hudson started all 16 games for the Chiefs and was rated by Pro Football Focus as the 3rd best center in the NFL. He finished the season with a +13 grade from PFF compared to a -2.5 grade for Wisniewski.

Wisnieweski was a solid but average player who relied more on his famous last name in Oakland than actual high level play. Aside from the PFF grades, Hudson passes the eye test as a clear upgrade for the Raiders offensive line. They did well to keep Derek Carr upright but were poor in terms of run blocking as the Raiders ended the season ranked 31st in rushing. With the increased focus on running the ball under Bill Musgrave, the Raiders found the road grader they wanted at the center position and have paid him handsomely for it.

Rating: 10/10

Next: Dan Williams