Jon Gruden made a keen observation after taking control of the Raiders back in 2018, that their guard salaries were out of whack. Kelechi Osemele was making eight figures, and Gabe Jackson was barely into a contract extension that was going to pay big bucks for a long time.
The Raiders traded Osemele this time last year and now reportedly are open to shipping Jackson for a player or a draft pick. The Raiders have put Jackson on the trade block, NFL Network’s Mike Silver reported Thursday afternoon.
Jackson was made available a few weeks back, and Silver reports the Raiders’ asking price is not high.
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The Raiders have stocked the guard position well, with Denzelle Good capable of starting in Jackson’s spot on the right side. He filled in there while Jackson was out most of the season’s first half with an MCL injury. Jackson wasn’t the same player when he returned. He tried to get back fast with the team in a playoff chase, but he wasn’t his usual dominant self.
He has been hurt most of the last two seasons, playing through a pectoral tear in 2018 and last season’s knee issue.
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Jackson's also set to make roughly $9.6 million in 2020 but that base salary is not guaranteed. Neither is any year left on a deal that runs through 2022.
Moving Jackson would be a financial benefit more than anything. Gruden has great respect for Jackson and his ability and would feel comfortable going into this season with him at right guard. Trading Jackson would provide salary cap relief to make other adds. The Raiders have $8.1 million in cap space, per the NFLPA. That’s just under the amount required to sign their NFL draft class but it doesn’t allow for any other veteran additions should they be required.
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Jackson was a third-round pick of Reggie McKenzie’s signature 2014 draft class that also featured Khalil Mack, Derek Carr and T.J. Carrie. Carr and Jackson are the only players remaining from that class, as the Raiders' roster has gone through a complete overhaul since Gruden came back to the Raiders.