Top 5 offensive guard free agent options for Raiders

The Raiders need at guard is two-fold. As in they are going to need two of them. With it increasingly appearing as if the Raiders will let center Andre James leave in free agency, that could signal they will finally be moving Dylan Parham to center, leaving both guard spots in need of a new starter.

It’s said to be a strong class along the offensive line, but in the interest of not using all their picks to fill the OL (they need a tackle too), they would do well to try and get a starter in free agency first and possibly an insurance plan as a potential second starter in case the draft doesn’t fall their way.

These are the top five options to fill those roles.

Robert Hunt (27)

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Robert Hunt (68) is seen while leaving the field after the end of the second half of the game between host Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, FL. Final score, Miami Dolphins, 30, Houston Texans, 15.

The former second round pick started every game at RG the past three seasons in Miami. He missed six games last season, but before that he’d never missed a game.

Kevin Dotson (27)

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams guard Kevin Dotson (69) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A full time starter past two seasons in Pittsburgh and LA with the Rams, Dotson had one of his best seasons in 2023. His Pro Football Focus grade jumped from a 65 in 2022 to an 85 last season. He will be a hot commodity should the Rams let him test the market.

Jonah Jackson (27)

Sep 7, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The former round three pick started every game at LG for four seasons in Detroit. He also played outstanding in the Lions playoff run this past year.

Laken Tomlinson (32)

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Laken Tomlinson (78) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) battle during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After a Pro Bowl season for the 49ers in 2021, he signed a big contract with the Jets and never quite lived up to it. Leading to his being cut this offseason. There’s one degree of separation with Raiders new OL coach James Cregg. Tomlinson played with the 49ers for OL coach Chris Foerster from 2020-21 and Cregg was the assistant OL coach under Foerster in 2022-23. So, perhaps, Tomlinson returning to a blocking scheme he’s more familiar with could rebound his career.

Cody Whitehair (31)

Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Cody Whitehair (65) blocks against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Houston 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Whitehair would bring some familiarity in Luke Getsy’s system, having played for him in Chicago the past two seasons. The former second round pick started his career at center where he went to a Pro Bowl in 2018, so he has that versatility.