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Oakland Raiders: Examining next steps in Donald Penn contract dispute

By Maurice Moton

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 30: Tackle Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders stares into the stands after catching a touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to tie the game at 10-10 at Raymond James Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 30: Tackle Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders stares into the stands after catching a touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to tie the game at 10-10 at Raymond James Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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In consecutive offseasons, the Oakland Raiders are in a contract tug-of-war with Donald Penn. Will they release, trade or move him to another spot?

KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 3: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes the passer while being blocked by Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium during the fourth quarter of the game on January 3, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 3: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes the passer while being blocked by Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium during the fourth quarter of the game on January 3, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

NFL players shouldn’t hesitate to squeeze as much money out of teams when they have leverage. On any given play, someone’s career could end or their value significantly diminished for a number of reasons. Oakland Raiders left tackle Donald Penn finds himself in a contract dispute in consecutive offseasons.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Michael Gehlken, the Raiders don’t want to honor Penn’s contract that both sides agreed to during the previous offseason.

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“Collectively, the team is uncomfortable with this structure as it stands.

Exact specifics are unclear, but the Raiders could seek to convert much, if not all, of his $3 million salary into bonuses or incentives,” Gehlken wrote.

Strangely, very few have argued the Raiders should honor the deal signed almost a year ago. Instead, there’s a focus on Penn’s age at 35 years old, coming off Lisfranc surgery and rookie Kolton Miller’s upside at left tackle.

Yes, this time the Raiders have leverage in negotiations with Penn, but it’s odd how it’s not viewed the same way when the players hold the upper hand in contract talks.

Looking at the current situation, Oakland could move on from the three-time Pro Bowler as he continues to recover from a significant foot injury. Miller would assume the starting role on the blind side. Is this the most realistic move in the coming days or weeks? Let’s take a look at how this ordeal could unfold over the next few weeks.

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