Penn inks $20.6 million contract extension
Veteran tackle under contract through 2019
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Donald Penn had faith the Raiders would take care of him.
After a busy week of negotiations, they have.
The veteran left tackle signed a twoyear, $20.6 million extension Friday. He is now under contract through the 2019 season. All of the team’s five starting offensive linemen to begin the season are effectively signed through at least the 2018 campaign.
The deal was designed to benefit both sides.
For Penn, the terms of his 2017 contract are unchanged. He is still due a $5.8 million salary. He is still eligible for up to $750,000 in incentives.
But now, he is no longer scheduled to become a free agent in March, and the next two years represent a pay raise from his current deal.
Half of his 2018 base salary is fully guaranteed, according to his representation at Alliance Sports. Penn is eligible to receive per-game roster bonuses in 2018 and 2019. If he plays a certain percentage of the Raiders’ offensive snaps in 2018, a $1 million roster bonus will become fully guaranteed in 2019. Additional bonuses are available for individual Pro Bowl and team playoff appearances.
In a year of Raiders extensions that included quarterback Derek Carr and right guard Gabe Jackson, the partial guarantee tied to Penn’s 2018 base salary was done in lieu of a signing bonus.
Rocky Arceneaux of Alliance Sports worked with Raiders general manager Reggie Mckenzie to establish the foundation of the deal. Brian Hannula worked with Tom Delaney, the club’s director of football administration, on final details pertaining to language.
“I’m very blessed and honored that the organization and (owner) Mark Davis have that love for me,” Penn said. “I’m going to be able to live out my childhood dream and retire a Raider. I’m really excited.”
Conley to play
Raiders coach Jack Del Rio announced Friday that first-round draft pick Gareon Conley will make his NFL debut Sunday against the New York Jets.
“He was full two days in a row and had a good week of practice,” Del Rio said. “So yeah, we’re going to have Gareon up.”
It was a long journey from Ohio State to the NFL for the rookie cornerback. The Raiders drafted Conley with the 24th overall pick in the April NFL Draft.
Controversy quickly followed him. Conley was accused of sexual assault a few days before he was drafted. The allegations cast a shadow over Conley until July 31, when a grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio declined to file charges.
The rookie then suffered a shin injury during minicamp. On Aug. 29, Conley participated in his first practice since June 13.
Del Rio said he is excited to see Conley get to play.
“He’s had a little bit of a setback because of some things that were beyond his control with the medical stuff,” Del Rio said. “That’s cleaned up and he’s ready to roll now. (I) look forward to watching him play.”
Notables
— Cornerback Sean Smith (neck) was limited in practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s home opener.
— Defensive back Keith Mcgill II (foot) and fullback Jamize Olawale (quad) were full participants in practice. Both are listed as questionable.
Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Gehlkennfl on Twitter. Contact reporter Chris Booker at cbooker@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @Bookerc94 on Twitter.