In a surprising move, the Raiders are expected to release seven-year veteran guard Gabe Jackson. This according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
I'm told #Raiders G Gabe Jackson has been informed he will be released, per source.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 3, 2021
Jackson was set to make $9.6 million this coming season with no dead money if released.
This move is surprising because, despite his salary, he is coming off one of his best seasons. The 29-year-old figures to instantly become a hot commodity on the free-agent market.
Originally a third-round pick by the Raiders in the 2014 draft, Jackson has been a starter since day one. He started at left guard his first two seasons and moved to right guard when the team signed Keleche Osemele. Jackson has remained at right guard ever since.
It was left guard Richie Incognito that seemed more likely to not come back, considering he’ll be 38 this summer and missed most of last season with an ankle injury.
Though Jackson’s release doesn’t guarantee Incognito’s return, recent reports have him preparing as if he expects to be back. The other guard option is Denzelle Good, who they would need to re-sign as he is a pending free agent.
