Oakland Raiders: A few possible FA targets for the frugal-minded
By Kevin Saito
Chris Hubbard (OT)
Having released Marshall Newhouse, the Raiders find themselves in the same position they’ve been in for the last few seasons – the have a glaring weakness at right tackle.
Assuming Donald Penn can come back healthy and be as effective as he’s been for the last few years, the Raiders, along with Kelechi Osemele, Gabe Jackson, and Rodney Hudson, could get back to having one of the most dominant lines in football. Especially now that Todd Downing isn’t around mucking it all up.
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But still – that right tackle spot is problematic and has been for a while. Though the Raiders still have Denver Kirkland, David Sharpe, and Jylan Ware around, none of them has been able to step up and keep that right tackle spot from being anything other than the weak link it’s been for years.
Pittsburgh’s Chris Hubbard might be able to do a decent job on that side of the line.
Since being signed by the Steelers as a UDFA in 2014, the six-foot-four, 286 pound Hubbard has appeared in 40 games, making 14 starts. And as a replacement for Marcus Gilbert on that Steeler’s offensive line, Hubbard has done a terrific job, earning praise from coach Mike Tomlin, former HC Todd Haley, and quarterback Ben Rothliesberger.
Now though, Hubbard is a free agent – and has been flying under the radar a bit.
He played in Pittsburgh on a $1.8 million dollar deal last year, and combined with the fact that there doesn’t seem to be a ton of buzz about Hubbard, McKenzie could swoop in and snag him on the cheap.
Hubbard could be a potential day one starter and help solidify that Oakland line.