A near-full-on overhaul is taking place on the Raiders’ offensive line. They are releasing Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson on Tuesday, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).
This move follows Las Vegas’ cuts of Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito and its trade of Trent Brown to New England. A Hudson release, if not designated as a post-June 1 cut, would not save the Raiders any money. It would then make sense if Las Vegas designated its longtime center a post-June 1 release.
Of the slew of moves on the Raiders’ O-line, this one qualifies as the most surprising. A 2015 Oakland signee, Hudson has made three Pro Bowls as a Raider and has become one of the NFL’s top centers. They signed him to a three-year, $33.75MM extension in 2019. The former Chiefs third-round pick figures to generate immediate interest, having proven productive and durable. Hudson has missed just four games in six Raiders seasons.
Hudson, 31, graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 8 overall center last season. He led the way in Josh Jacobs‘ back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has been with the franchise long enough to pave the way for Latavius Murray‘s 1,000-yard slate in 2015. He lasted less than two weeks as the Raiders’ longest-tenured offensive linemen, following Jackson out the door.
Of the Raiders’ Week 1 starting O-line from last season, only Kolton Miller remains with the team. This release also effectively makes Derek Carr the last man standing from Reggie McKenzie‘s GM tenure.
The Raiders tacking on two void years to Hudson’s extension would increase the dead-money hit to $15MM, were Hudson not designated a post-June 1 release. The latter scenario would save the Raiders $6.4MM against their 2021 cap. Thus far, the Raiders have not replaced any of their departed starters up front. Even the player who replaced Incognito for most of last season, Denzelle Good, is a free agent. This certainly becomes one of the NFL’s most interesting position groups.
Come back to KC
Joe Douglas Make it Happen!
What the heck??????????
If by overhaul you mean cutting the dead weight for salary cap relief, then yeah it’s an overhaul. Trent Brown was brought in and paid like the Lebron James of right tackles and never lived up to that hype. Maybe Kyle Long signs to shore up on of the guard spots.
Mr. Hudson, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on Line 1
Why?!! It’s so frustrating being a Raiders fan because the front office leadership and coaching staff have absolutely no idea what they are doing. None! This is stupid and pointless!! Now they need nearly an entire O-line! I cannot wait until Gruden is GONE! I will celebrate his firing or departure for TV, whatever it is!
Guess Chucky wants to let Carr get pummeled next season so he can justify getting himself another quarterback…seems like they should’ve at least restructured a couple of these guys instead of just wiping the whole line clean
Interesting theory, and entirely plausible. Carr isn’t the problem, the coach and GM are. They ain’t taking the heat though.
This is precisely why you don’t sign a coach for a decade. They’re too comfortable.
I don’t understand this move at all
Smfh
Why? This makes zero sense the one stable presence and you cut him?
Taking away from the one strength they had real smart move mayock
This is a awful move. Hud has been a consistent asset to the line. Dump Kolten Millers goofy ass if your going to cut anyone
He has actually been one of the better left tackles in league since 2019
I could only wish Pittsburgh would be in on this, but adding age/money doesn’t seem to be in the list, more so with salary cap complications
Please come to KC!
Um…what?
Might as well get rid of care now. He’ll probably get hurt on the 1st play in next years game 1. That would make no players left over from the old regime. Terrible decision. Unfortunately they better put marriota in so he can run for his life also.
Sorry Carr
I knew you meant Carr, but care also fits- Gruden got rid of his when he inked that big deal.
What the Hell? I get Williams and Brown. Flashed well but injured way too much and no interest in reworking. I get Nelly – people were overlooking the 9 drops. Many of them at crucial points of the games. I get Jackson as injuries were starting to lower his level of play too. He and Incognito should be reworked but if we can upgrade that’s cool. Hudson has been a rock though and it’s not like much better is out there! No benefit in saving money is the really baffling thing here.
Agreed in every aspect. I just don’t get this. Trying to copy Kansas City? No clues here.
I gotta agree. I’m hoping that he and Incognito are just restructurings in process. They can’t possibly think they are going to sign 4 offensive linemen in the off-season.
Come back home to the CHHHHHIIIIIOEEEEFFFFFSSSS
Hope Miami is in on him.
Time to cut Gruden. This spit doesn’t make any sense.
Come to Seattle please!!!
Seattle has to be in on this action!
The Raiders seem to be creating more holes in their already hole filled roster than they are filling. Mayock had better hit a home run in next month’s draft. If he repeats his Ferrell and Ruggs mistakes the Raiders will be back to being a last place team in the AFC west.