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Donald Penn

Raiders Re-Sign Donald Penn

March 17th, 2016 at 2:08pm CST by Luke Adams

THURSDAY, 2:08pm: The Raiders formally announced the signing.

WEDNESDAY, 10:40am: Penn gets a two-year, $14MM deal from the Raiders, according to Rapoport, who tweets that the first year – worth approximately $7MM – is guaranteed.

7:54am: The Raiders will re-sign left tackle Donald Penn to a new contract today, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). As Rapoport explains, Penn had been scheduled to make a visit to the Giants this week, but he won’t end up getting on a plane to make that trip, having struck a deal with the Raiders instead.Donald Penn

Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle first reported overnight (via Twitter) that Penn and the Raiders were finalizing a new contract, with Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com confirming (via Twitter) that the two sides had made “significant progress” toward a deal.

Penn has been one of the more reliable and consistent left tackles in the NFL over the past two seasons for the Raiders. In 2015, he ranked 11th at the position, according to Pro Football Focus — PFF assigned him an especially strong grade as a pass blocker. The Utah State product will turn 33 in April, so he’s unlikely to land a lucrative, long-term contract, but he should be in line for a raise on his last deal, which paid him a little more than $10MM in total over two years.

With Penn back in the fold, the Raiders will be able to play newly-signed Kelechi Osemele at guard, rather than asking him to replace Penn at left tackle. While that means that Osemele will be making left tackle money (nearly $12MM per year) to play an interior line spot, it should strengthen Oakland’s line as a whole, with the team taking advantage of its excess of cap room.

Penn’s agreement with the Raiders is the latest in a string of deals for offensive tackles. In the last 24 hours, we’ve seen Ryan Harris agree to sign with the Steelers, Kelvin Beachum strike a deal with the Jaguars, and Chris Hairston agree to re-sign with the Chargers. Russell Okung and Andre Smith are among the noteworthy free agent tackles still on the board. Now that they’re no longer getting a visit from Penn, it will be interesting to see if the Giants make a more aggressive push to land Okung.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Donald Penn Visiting Giants

March 15th, 2016 at 3:04pm CST by Luke Adams

3:04pm: Penn’s visit with the Giants is expected to happen later in the week, rather than today, tweets Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Meanwhile, Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link) hears that Penn has been “very open” to re-signing with the Raiders, but there’s still “meaningful distance” between the player and the team regarding his value.

11:06am: The game of musical chairs continues for the offensive tackle free agent market, as Donald Penn is scheduled to pay a visit to the Giants today, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Rapoport adds that Penn and the Raiders have been “locked in a contract stalemate.”Donald Penn

Penn, who will turn 33 in April, has been one of the more reliable and consistent left tackles in the NFL over the past two seasons for the Raiders. In 2015, he ranked 11th at the position, according to Pro Football Focus, with an especially strong grade as a pass blocker.

However, the Raiders signed Kelechi Osemele to a five-year mega-deal, giving the team an alternative at left tackle, which could allow GM Reggie McKenzie to play hardball to a certain extent with Penn. Given the veteran’s age, he certainly won’t be in line for an Osemele-esque contract of his own.

With a handful of notable free agent left tackles on the market, including Penn, Russell Okung, and Kelvin Beachum, there’s a sense that things may fall into place for multiple players once one of them agrees to a deal. The Seahawks, Okung’s old team, have also been cited as a potential suitor for Penn, while the Steelers – Beachum’s old team – and the Giants are said to be in the mix for Okung.

The Giants have options at left tackle, including Ereck Flowers and possibly Justin Pugh, but landing a solid veteran like Penn or Okung could allow the team to move Flowers to the right side and play Pugh at guard, strengthening the line as a whole.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agency Rumors: Dolphins, Penn, Bushrod

March 9th, 2016 at 10:44pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Before he agreed to terms with Philadelphia, new Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham also received interest from the Browns, Buccaneers and Jaguars, as he tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Bradham further stated that his former team, the Bills, backed out of contract talks.

Meanwhile, in addition to having lost out on Bradham, the Browns swung and missed on receiver Rishard Matthews, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Caplan reports that Cleveland was one of several teams in play for Matthews, who agreed to sign with Tennessee on a three-year deal.

After a busy day around the NFL, we still have a few more rumors related to free agents who signed today, and free agents who are still on the market. Let’s dive in…

  • The Dolphins aren’t looking to invest much money in a backup quarterback, Marvez tweets. Matt Moore is paying a visit to the Cowboys this week, and it seems Moore may not be back in Miami for the 2016 season.
  • The Giants have shown interest in free agent left tackle Donald Penn, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link). The reliable Penn has started 16 games in eight straight seasons, including the last two in Oakland.
  • Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, whom the Bears cut last month, is garnering “ample interest” in spite of recent shoulder surgery, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). He’s planning to visit the Dolphins and Vikings, La Canfora adds.
  • Prior to re-signing with the Bengals, cornerback Adam Jones drew the Vikings’ attention, he told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. On Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, Jones said, “I love Zim. He really treated me well through this, but this is the place where I know.”
  • At least four teams – including the Bears – have expressed interest in return man Marc Mariani, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports that the 49ers and Raiders are also among those clubs in the mix for Mariani, who played the last two seasons in Chicago.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Free Agent Rumors: Schwartz, Boykin, Falcons

March 9th, 2016 at 11:21am CST by Zachary Links

Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz has a decent chance of returning to the Browns, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer tweets. Schwartz’s deal could fall in the neighborhood of $7.5MM, she adds. Meanwhile, Michael Silver of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears that Schwartz likely won’t return to the Browns.

While we wait to see how Schwartz’s free agency plays out, check out this roundup of the latest free agent rumors:

  • There’s not much momentum between the Steelers and Brandon Boykin, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. The Falcons, however, are among the teams with interest in the cornerback.
  • Defensive end Chris Clemons is on his way to visit the Seahawks, Albert Breer of NFL.com tweets. If things go well, he could sign and make his return to Seattle.
  • Defensive end William Hayes is in play for the Dolphins, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald tweets. Hayes, along with new acquisition Mario Williams, would boost the defensive line if Olivier Vernon leaves in free agency as expected.
  • Chiefs free agent wide receiver Jason Avant says that he isn’t done yet and wants to continue his career, as Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star writes. Avant caught 15 passes for 119 yards during the regular season. In the Chiefs’ 27-20 AFC divisional-round loss to the Patriots, Avant caught four passes for 69 yards.
  • Left tackle Donald Penn has talked with the Seahawks, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times tweets.
  • The Cowboys and Seahawks are among the teams interested in defensive lineman Cedric Thornton, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets.
  • Mike Harris is now considering a one-year deal with the Vikings, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press tweets. Harris could battle with Brandon Fusco at right guard, Tomasson adds.

AFC Rumors: Penn, Jags, Vernon, Incognito

March 8th, 2016 at 2:58pm CST by Zachary Links

Raiders free agent left tackle Donald Penn says he has not closed the door on coming back to Oakland, as Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group writes.

“I’ve been open with my plan. My plan is to be a Raider,” Penn told NFL Network. “We’re trying to figure out of the feeling is mutual. They tell me it is. They made a great signing, that’s a great pickup for Derek Carr and everybody., We’re going to see what’s going to happen. Only time is going to tell. The good thing is I’m showing interest from other teams.”

The latest from the AFC:

Raiders, Vikings Pursuing Kelechi Osemele

March 7th, 2016 at 8:36pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

8:36pm: The Raiders aren’t alone in coveting Osemele. The Vikings are “surging” after him, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (Twitter link).

8:22pm: The Raiders are the favorites in the race for arguably the best offensive lineman in this year’s free agent class, Kelechi Osemele, reports FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo (Twitter link). Osemele is expected to garner upward of $10MM per year, Garafolo adds.

Since the Ravens selected Osemele in the second round of the 2012 draft, the 333-pounder has lined up at guard and both Kelechi Osemeletackle spots, starting in all 51 of his NFL appearances (14 last season). After beginning the 2015-16 campaign at guard, the 26-year-old shifted to left tackle and ultimately graded out 18th among 77 qualifying tackles at Pro Football Focus.

[RELATED: PFR ranks the top 50 FAs of this year’s class]

A report late last month indicated that the Ravens had made an “aggressive” offer to Osemele, but their decision to move him to left tackle (the most lucrative position on the offensive line) could ultimately help lead to his departure.

The Raiders might have a vacancy at left tackle as early as Wednesday if pending free agent Donald Penn signs elsewhere. Penn, who has appeared and started in 16 games in each of the last eight regular seasons with the Bucs and Raiders, is expected to reach the open market. Whether he returns to the Raiders will impact where Osemele lines up (if he signs with Oakland), ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets. It doesn’t appear that the Raiders will have to choose between Penn and Osemele at left tackle, though, as they’re at a “stalemate” with Penn in contract talks, per CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (Twitter link).

In addition to their pursuit of Osemele, we learned earlier tonight that the Raiders are also interested in Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson as free agency draws closer. Led by a core of talented youth, the Raiders showed encouraging signs during a 7-9 finish last season and now look poised to put their $60MM-plus of spending room to good use in the coming days.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agent Rumors: Sean Smith, Niners, Raiders

March 7th, 2016 at 1:10pm CST by Zachary Links

The very latest free agent news:

  • The 49ers have discussed Chiefs free agent cornerback Sean Smith, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (on Twitter). He adds that Smith has been on the Niners’ radar in the past as well. The Chiefs have not reached out to Smith since the start of the tampering period, but they have talked with his agent since the Combine, Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star writes.
  • The Chiefs know they will have to raise the current offer to Smith in order to retain him, but it’s not clear if they will, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweets. The Raiders will also be in play for his services, he adds.
  • The Chiefs have expressed interest in former Raiders receiver Rod Streater, Paylor writes. Streater’s best season came in 2013 when he hauled in 60 catches for 888 yards and four scores.
  • Seahawks free agent guard J.R. Sweezy is generating a ton of early interest with at least ten teams expressing serious interest, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. The Buccaneers, Falcons, Lions, Dolphins, Saints, 49ers, Jaguars, Bears, and Jets, have all made it known that they will be suitors (link).
  • Donald Penn’s agent met with the Raiders but the tackle is expected to hit the free agent market on Wednesday, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets.
  • The Cardinals have expressed interest in Rams free agent defensive end William Hayes, according to Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic (on Twitter). The eight year vet has racked up 21.5 sacks over the last four years.

West Rumors: Poe, Raiders, Penn, 49ers

February 29th, 2016 at 3:05pm CST by Luke Adams

The Chiefs have several pressing issues on their docket on the defensive side of the ball, with Eric Berry, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Sean Smith, and Jaye Howard among the defenders facing free agency. However, Kansas City is also exploring the possibility of locking up one of their top contributors whose contract doesn’t expire until 2017.

According to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs have spoken to Dontari Poe‘s agent, Jimmy Sexton, about a long-term deal that would keep the standout nose tackle in K.C. for the next several years.

“We’ve talked, we’ve talked more than once,” GM John Dorsey said. “I have great affection for Dontari Poe. I think he represents everything we want to do, culturally. I think he’s a good football player. We will continue this process. Right now, I’m concentrating on other things. But eventually, we’ll get to that.”

Here’s more from around the NFL’s West divisions:

  • The Raiders are expected to be one of the league’s most active teams in free agency, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). That’s no real surprise, since Oakland is one of two clubs in the NFL with more than $70MM in projected cap room. Cole reports that the Raiders have “made it clear to everyone that they’re not going to let money get in the way of getting the players that they want.”
  • Cornerbacks and offensive linemen figure to be atop the Raiders‘ shopping list, according to Cole, who adds that Chargers safety Eric Weddle will be a target for Oakland as well.
  • Armed with all that cap space, the Raiders will prioritize getting a new deal done with offensive tackle Donald Penn, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com adds (via Twitter) that Penn “has a strong market,” and his stock will only improve if the Bills use their franchise tag on Cordy Glenn within the next 24 hours.
  • With the free agent period fast approaching, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link) expects the 49ers to target mostly offense in March, before shifting to focus on defensive players in the draft.

Donald Penn Wants To Talk Contract With Raiders

February 5th, 2016 at 4:19pm CST by Luke Adams

Raiders left tackle Donald Penn will see his two-year deal with the team expire next month, making him a free agent if he doesn’t have a new extension in place by then. Rather than reaching the open market, Penn would prefer to get something done with Oakland, but he has yet to hear from the team regarding contract negotiations, according to Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com.Donald Penn

“I’m not going to lie. I’m a little disappointed in the Oakland Raiders right now,” Penn said. “That’s just me being honest. I don’t talk to my agent about deals during the season because I like to focus on my play. But, going into the offseason we talked and my agent said he talked to the team and they said they want me back. That’s what they told me before I left, but I haven’t heard from them since the season ended.”

The Raiders and Penn still have a few more weeks to open negotiations and try to finalize a new contract for the veteran tackle, and general manager Reggie McKenzie said this week that there’s still plenty of time for that to happen. Nonetheless, Penn is getting anxious, and is starting to consider the possibility that he may have other suitors in March.

“I’m really disappointed, and I’m starting to look at other opportunities,” Penn said. “As man and a player, we have to start looking at other things. Me and my agent are starting to put together a group of teams that need a left tackle and things like that.”

Despite the fact that he has been one of the most reliable left tackles in the NFL over the last two seasons, Penn hasn’t been paid like it, since his two-year pact with the Raiders earned him just over $10MM in total. The Utah State product isn’t getting any younger – he’ll turn 33 in April – but he should still be in line for a nice raise, whether he re-signs with the Raiders or joins a new team. So while he’d like to be back in Oakland, Penn isn’t losing sight of that fact.

“We’ll see what happens next,” Penn said. “I did everything I could. I had two great seasons, two of the best of my career. You know, it’s a great time to be a free agent for me.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC West Notes: Crabtree, Penn, Stewart, Iger

December 11th, 2015 at 12:25pm CST by Luke Adams

After betting on himself during the 2015 offseason, signing a modest one-year deal in the hopes of having a big season and increasing his value, Raiders wideout Michael Crabtree is happy to have a new extension in place, which will keep him from worrying about dealing with the free agent market again this winter.

“It’s always nice to get it done, right?” Crabtree said on Thursday, according to Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “That way we can just go play football. You ain’t worried about where you’re going to be next year and all that stuff. It’s pretty neat to know you’re wanted and you want to be on a team and you’re here.”

Here’s more on Crabtree’s new contract, along with some other items out of the AFC West:

  • Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has a few more specific details on Crabtree’s four-year deal with the Raiders, tweeting that it can be worth up to $35.2MM, with a base value of $34MM. The pact doesn’t include a signing bonus, but Crabtree will make $11MM in 2016 and a total of $18MM by 2017. That $18MM is guaranteed for injury, according to Bair.
  • As Bair details at CSNBayArea.com, veteran defensive back Charles Woodson believes Crabtree’s new contract – and his decision to stay with Oakland – is a sign that this isn’t the same old Raiders. “That’s great, because you hear that people don’t want to come to Oakland, that they don’t want to play here,” Woodson said. “Things are starting to change. With Crabtree signing his deal, other free agents will take notice once that time comes around. They’ll want to know why he wanted to stick around and play in Oakland. He’ll be a great ambassador for guys who are undecided.”
  • Could left tackle Donald Penn be the next Raiders player to sign an extension? He’s not focusing on a deal right now, but says he’d like to spend the rest of his career in Oakland, as Bill Williamson of ESPN.com writes.
  • Safety Darian Stewart doesn’t have Pro Bowl nods on his resume, like many of his fellow defensive backs in Denver, but the Broncos coaching staff has referred to him as the quarterback of the secondary, and his contract is looking like one of the bargains of the 2015 free agent period. Arnie Stapleton of The Associated Press has the story.
  • Earlier today, we rounded up several quotes from Disney CEO Bob Iger on the Carson stadium proposal put forth by the Chargers and Raiders. Scott M. Reid of the Orange County Register has a few more comments from Iger, who says a Carson stadium would be well-positioned to attract football fans from Orange County.
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