Gabe Jackson: 5 Landing spots after release from Raiders

Gabe Jackson was released by the Las Vegas Raiders as they revamp their offensive line, so which NFL teams could sign the veteran guard?

It would seem as if the Las Vegas Raiders are planning for big changes along the offensive line. Not only are they reportedly looking to move on from tackle Trent Brown but they also informed veteran offensive guard Gabe Jackson that they will release him, per ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Now the 29-year-old will hit the NFL free agency market.

Jackson has performed as one of the best guards in the league at points throughout his career but, over the last couple of seasons, he’s only been a league-average player according to his grades on PFF (subscription required). However, he’s a veteran presence that could undoubtedly still help a team’s offensive line.

Subsequently, let’s take a look at five NFL landing spots for Gabe Jackson now that he’s set to hit the free agency market.

Gabe Jackson landing spot No. 5: Miami Dolphins

We don’t necessarily know what the Miami Dolphins’ plan is this offseason, specifically as it pertains to the quarterback position. There is a belief they could trade for Deshaun Watson but others believe they should hang on to Tua Tagovailoa. But no matter what they do, they need to keep improving the offensive line.

Miami’s guards last season weren’t anything to write home about and they could possibly use a player like Jackson to improve that. Yes, they have young tackles that could move inside but, if they want to develop them on the outside, then signing a veteran like Jackson would make a lot of sense.

Gabe Jackson landing spot No. 4: Green Bay Packers

Things are shaping up in a way that the Green Bay Packers offensive line could look substantially different than it did last season. In 2020, they replaced Bryan Bulaga with Rick Wagner but now the latter has been cut. And they could lose center Corey Linsley in free agency as well.

Especially if they lose Linsley, the Packers should be interested in Jackson. They have Elgton Jenkins on the roster, who has the ability to move into Linsley’s spot, which would then open up a spot for Jackson to come in and be a starting guard. That’s a solid option, especially if they can get him on a cost-effective deal.

Gabe Jackson landing spot No. 3: Carolina Panthers

As the Carolina Panthers began a large rebuilding project with the arrival of head coach Matt Rhule last year, they were willing to give up some strong on-roster assets. One of those assets was Trai Turner, a top-tier guard who they traded to the Chargers. Now they must replace him.

Many people expect Carolina to be aggressive players in the offseason, both on the trade market and in the draft. However, they need more than that to take the next step. Signing Jackson to give them a veteran presence on the interior would be a fantastic start to that process.

Gabe Jackson landing spot No. 2: Seattle Seahawks

Currently the Seattle Seahawks are embroiled in a controversy regarding the future of quarterback Russell Wilson and the possibility that he could be traded. Wilson has grown frustrated with the franchise, largely due to the lack of attention paid to the offensive line.

Of course, this could just be a power play by Wilson to pressure Seattle into addressing that area of the roster, which is why Jackson would make sense. He would immediately be an upgrade at guard and would help stabilize that unit moving forward.

Gabe Jackson landing spot No. 1: Baltimore Ravens

Much of the blame for the Baltimore Ravens offense taking a step back in 2020 fell on the shoulders of Lamar Jackson. But while the quarterback wasn’t without fault, the retirement of Marshal Yanda and loss of Ronnie Stanley were the most detrimental aspect on that side of the ball.

The interior of the Baltimore offensive line needs to be upgraded and Jackson could still be that. He’s not the same player Yanda was but he’s a veteran with plenty of life left in his NFL career that could keep the line as a strong, fortified unit.