Having so much money to spend, it was obvious the Raiders would be able to lure top free agents and they got a big one, literally and figuratively. He boosted his value last season when he switched from left guard to left tackle for the last four games.
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Despite offering offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele what Ravens head coach John Harbaugh described as an ” aggressive deal, ” NFL Network’s Rand Getlin is reporting that Osemele has agreed in principle to a deal with the the Oakland Raiders.
He might have even gotten lucky when the Raiders jumped in and were willing to pay prize free agent Ndamukong Suh, only to have the defensive tackle sign with Miami and become the Dolphins’ cap headache for the next several years. Adding a strong player like Osemele to their offensive line could very well be the addition that could put them over the edge. The Raiders have really focused on improving their offensive line play in free agency the last two years, signing top-ten center Rodney Hudson away from Kansas City before the 2015 season.
Calvin Johnson confirmed what many had suspected, filing retirement papers with the NFL.
Since being drafted by the Ravens with the 60th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Osemele has started 51 of 64 regular season games, including 14 games in 2015.
Harbaugh hoped Osemele’s experience with the Ravens would convince him to remain in Baltimore.
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A physical lineman who loves playing to the whistle and finishing his blocks, Osemele developed into one of the best young left guards in the National Football League with the Ravens. He deserves to be one of the highest paid linemen in the league, as his versatility is second to none. Beachum has said he won’t sign anywhere he can’t play left tackle, though indications are the Ravens are willing to cut incumbent LT Eugene Monroe if they can find a replacement.
