After an offseason full of uncertainty, Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson will stay with the team.
The Raiders placed Jackson on the trading block before the 2020 NFL Draft. Reportedly, they weren’t asking for much in return. The fact they added John Simpson with the 109th overall pick last April didn’t do much to dispel the notion they were trying to part ways. Moreover, the team re-signed reserve guard Denzell Good after the 2019 season ended. That fueled the notion that trading Jackson was within the realm of possibility.
Related: Raiders Offensive Line Returned to Form in 2019
Now that Jackson’s $9.35 million salary is guaranteed for the 2020 season, his roster spot with the Raiders is a lock. Regarding the uncertainty surrounding his status with the team, Jackson talked to Vic Tafur of the Athletic. The guard said, “I hadn’t heard anything, and you never know.” Later, he added “it was a weird feeling, but I am very happy to be back. I’m really enjoying playing with those other guys (on the line), and I know we’re going to have some fun.”
With Jackson coming back, Las Vegas will have all their starting offensive linemen back in 2020. That is great news going forward as the unit was one of the team’s strengths last year after being a weak link in 2018. As a whole, the group gave up 29 last season. They were one of the top half units in 2019 and continuity will only help them be a force this upcoming season.
The Raiders will have many moving pieces in 2020, so the stability their offensive line brings will be welcoming.
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Top Photo: Tony Avelar/Associated Press