Oakland Raiders: Donald Penn holding out at opportune time

Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn chose not to report with fellow veterans in Napa, CA due to a contract dispute. Does he deserve a new deal?

We enjoy watching NFL games on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays but often forget it’s a business for everyone involved. When the front office axes a player unexpectedly, no one bats an eye. However, fans roll their eyes when an employee wants a raise worth their production.

Oakland Raiders left tackle Donald Penn ruffled feathers on Friday with a holdout, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:

Penn didn’t speak much publicly about his desire for a better deal. However, his absence on Friday spoke volumes. Fans didn’t take kindly to the timing, calling him selfish and shady. It’s worth noting the Raiders just saved $5 million after releasing offensive tackle Austin Howard, per Over The Cap. The 34-year old tackle could take some of that available cash.

Despite what you think about Penn’s portion of the blame when quarterback Derek Carr broke his fibula in Week 16, the 11th-year tackle put together his second Pro Bowl season and allowed just one sack in 16 starts, per Pro Football Focus:

He also graded as the best run-blocking offensive lineman on the roster in the previous season, per PFF:

In total cash, Penn lists No. 16 with $7.1 million among players at his position in earnings for the 2017 season, per Spotrac. Clearly, he’s worth more money. After the team released Howard, it seems all too convenient for the two-time Pro Bowler to take his demands to the next level.

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The Raiders will eventually pay Penn considering his eventual replacement hasn’t shown himself yet.

While the 34-year-old tackle sits out, it’s best to gauge rookie fourth-rounder David Shape’s performance at left tackle through training camp. He’s a potential long-term solution once Penn’s time comes to an end.

Here’s option No. 2: shift Marshall Newhouse over to left tackle during practices. The 28-year old tackle started his career at that position with the Green Bay Packers before moving to the right side.

Finally, though not ideal, Kelechi Osemele has minimal experience at left tackle dating back to his days with the Baltimore Ravens. He also filled in at the position during the season for a short period in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons last year. At the time, offensive line coach Mike Tice highlighted Osemele as the best backup option at left tackle behind Penn, per NBCS Bay Area reporter Scott Bair:

Penn’s holdout brings a slight inconvenience, but it’s nothing to fret over. He’s spent a decade in the league and doesn’t need a lot of practice reps to gear up for the season. He’ll continue to rest for the offseason as general manager Reggie McKenzie modifies his contract before the 2017 season.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Training camp edition

In the meanwhile, look for Sharpe or Newhouse to take reps with the first team at left tackle.