Sam Young has retired, per an announcement from the Raiders. The offensive tackle re-signed with the team just a month ago, but he’s opted to hang ’em up instead. 

Young was expected to slot into the Raiders’ offensive tackle rotation, behind left tackle Kolton Miller and unexpected first-round pick Alex Leatherwood. Young would have been one of the first tackles off of the bench and an insurance policy for Leatherwood, if he proved to be too green. But, based on the reviews Leatherwood has been getting out of practice, there might not have been much playing time left for Young anyway.

Young was never an elite tackle, but he did enjoy a lengthy pro career. On the whole, he’s got 103 appearances to his credit across eleven pro seasons. That includes eleven games (seven starts) for the Raiders in 2020. We here at PFR wish Young the best in retirement.

Sam Young will return to the Raiders (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). On Thursday, the two sides reached agreement on a new one-year deal, giving him a chance to slot into the team’s offensive tackle rotation.

Kolton Miller will start at left tackle with unexpected first-round pick Alex Leatherwood likely to man the right side. Young could operate as one of the first tackles off of the bench behind both players, or an insurance policy for Leatherwood if he’s still a bit green. But, based on the reviews Leatherwood has been getting out of practice, the reserve role seems more likely for Young.

“Yeah, he’s a big body,” veteran guard Richie Incognito said last week (via The Athletic). “He comes from a storied program at Alabama, and he’s done a ton of winning — a couple national championships under his belt. He’s a quiet kid … he’s a hard worker. He’s picking up on what (offensive line) coach (Tom) Cable is laying down, and I expect him to have a big year.”

Young isn’t exactly an elite tackle, but he does offer lots of experience, including eleven games (seven starts) for the Raiders last year. On the whole, he’s got 103 appearances to his credit across eleven pro seasons.

The Raiders have agreed to sign offensive lineman Sam Young, as ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. 

Young, 33 in June, had a cup of coffee with the 49ers last year. Outside of those four games in the fall, he was out of the NFL and showing his stuff on the workout circuit. That tour included a visit with the Dolphins, where he spent the 2016-2018 seasons.

The veteran tackle has 92 career appearances to his credit, including 21 starts. He’s suited up for the Cowboys, Bills, Jaguars, Dolphins, and 49ers in the past. Now, he’ll try to stick in Las Vegas as a depth OL addition.

Meanwhile, the Raiders claim that they’ll keep longtime starter Gabe Jackson in the fold, despite all the speculation to the contrary. The right guard has three years left on his deal with base salaries of approximately $9.3MM per year. The Raiders were unable to find a deal for him on draft week, even though their asking price was reportedly very low. Mike Mayock says he’s staying put, but a release remains possible since there is no guaranteed money left on his deal.