October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
A panic was beginning to ensue about whether the Oakland Raiders would ever be able to land a top player in NFL free agency what with over $59 million to spend. Thankfully fans can step away from the ledge for a minute. The Silver and Black have reached an agreement in principle with center Rodney Hudson on a new deal.
Rodney Hudson is going to Oakland. $44.5M on a 5 year deal. Someone taking the Raiders' money.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2015
Hudson was widely considered the best at his position on the market. He finished 2014 as the 3rd highest rated center in the league, posting a +13.0 Pro Football Focus rating. He allowed just two sacks and two hits on the quarterback all season as a pass protector. This is important for the Raiders what with their own starter, Stefen Wisniewski a free agent and showing no signs of wanting to return. This deal makes that loss irrelevant. It also ensures Derek Carr will have a reliable man snapping him the ball for the forseeable future.
Grade: A-
One always hopes to get a guy cheaper but the Oakland Raiders could afford the price tag set by Rodney Hudson. Center is a key position on the offensive line, Hudson is just 25-years old and is an all-around type of blocker who can protect his quarterback, open running lanes and also get out for screens too. He’s been a starter the past two seasons. As big signings go this may not be the first one the Raiders had in mind, but it’s still a good one.
Best of all? It weakens their division rival Kansas City Chiefs at the same time.