Raiders quarterback Derek Carr took to his YouTube channel Tuesday to talk about his team’s activity in free agency, including Oakland’s acquisition of wide receivers Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams. Carr was sure to praise a different signing, however — one that will allow him to get the football to his new weapons.
It’s no secret how the Raiders were able to bring offensive tackle Trent Brown to Oakland. Coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock made him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
Drafted in the seventh round out of Florida by the 49ers in 2015, Brown, who measures an enormous 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds, was impeccable at left tackle for the Super Bowl champion Patriots last season, earning the distinction of being the top free agent at his position. The Raiders didn’t hesitate to offer him a deal worth $37 million guaranteed.
Carr was sacked 52 times in 2018, so their need at offensive tackle was perhaps even larger than Brown. Last season’s No. 1 draft pick, OT Kolton Miller, underwhelmed, although he did fight through injury. Oakland’s third-round pick, OT Brandon Parker, also struggled after being pressed into action after OT Donald Penn was lost for the year.
Miller is expected to join Brown in the starting lineup next season, though it’s not clear if he’ll be on the left or right. Brown has excelled on both sides of the line, and Miller is only experienced on the left. But Brown is poised to give Carr more time than he had a season ago and make sure his QB can get the ball to the other new additions on offense, Williams and Antonio Brown.
