Giacomini is added to the mix on the offensive line

ALAMEDA » Veteran tackle Breno Giacomini was added to the mix of Raiders’ offensive linemen, signing a contract Thursday of which terms were not disclosed.

Giacomini, 32, is a 10year veteran who started all 16 games at right tackle for the Houston Texans last season and figures to challenge for the spot vacated on the right side with the release of Marshall Newhouse.

Originally a fifth-round choice by Green Bay in 2008 when general manager Reggie McKenzie was a personnel executive there, Giacomini played for the Packers through 2009 before joining Seattle in 2010, the New York Jets in 2014 and finally the Texans last season.

The line coach for Giacomini from 2011 through 2013 in Seattle was Tom Cable, hired to coach the Raiders line this season.

In the 2013 season, Giacomini was the starting right tackle for Seattle, missed Weeks 4 through 10 with a knee injury, but returned to finish the season and start in all three postseason games, including a 43- 8 win over Denver in Super Bowl XLVIII.

At 6-foot-7, 320 pounds, Giacomini has played in 94 games with 86 starts, 53 of those coming in the last four seasons.

With the Raiders offensive line set at four positions ( left tackle Donald Penn, left guard Kelechi Osemele, center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson) the primary competition will be on the right side.

Those who could be in the mix include third-year player Vadal Alexander, and second- year players David Sharpe and Jylan Ware.

Giacomini is the sixth offensive free agent to sign with the Raiders, joining wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Griff Whalen, running back Doug Martin, fullback Keith Smith and tight end Derek Carrier.

At least one analytics service didn’t think much of Giacomini’s work with the Texans last season, ranking him 82nd among 83 offensive tackles who played 350 or more snaps. MANUEL OVER MANZIEL » The Raiders were one of 13 teams who had scouts watching fal len star Johnny Manziel’s workout in San Diego on Friday. A few hours later, Oakland decided it was time to sign a backup quarterback.

But just like the 2014 NFL Draft, the Raiders again decided they could live without Johnny Football.

Apparently not impressed enough by the new-look Manziel’s efforts, the Raiders instead are bringing back last year’s second- string quarterback, EJ Manuel.

Not many expected Manuel, who beat out Connor Cook for the No. 2 role behind Derek Carr last season, to return to Oakland, especially with new coach Jon Gruden’s penchant for making changes. But when pen met paper Friday, Manuel became the Raiders’ NFL-leading 16th unrestricted free agent signing since free agency began eight days ago.

Manuel now joins a renewed battle for a backup spot on the Raiders roster with Cook and recently signed Josh Johnson of Oakland, who played for Gruden in Tampa Bay. Manuel, who turned 28 three days ago, played decently in two games last season after Carr was injured — he went 24 for 43 for 265 yards, a touchdown and an interception in losses to Denver and Baltimore.

Manuel’s deal came after the Raiders, perhaps just doing their due diligence, had one scout watching Manziel throw to receivers during the University of San Diego’s Pro Day on Friday.

Another choice would have been to bring a cleaned- up Manziel to Oakland, especially since Gruden has seemingly been one of Manziel’s biggest fans. Who can forget their meeting during Gruden’s QB Camp?

Gruden, whi le sti l l working as a Monday Night Football analyst, reportedly implored the Raiders to draft Manziel in 2014. General manager Reggie McKenzie wisely opted to take Khalil Mack at No. 5, Manziel went to Cleveland at No. 22 and the Raiders struck it rich again by taking Carr in the second round.

Manziel flamed out in Cleveland, lasting just 15 games where he was decidedly mediocre — seven touchdowns, seven interceptions — when he wasn’t enduring failure off the field.

While Manziel battled alcohol and mental health issues during his failed stint with the Browns, Gruden still seemed to believe in him as recently as a few months ago. When asked about the chances of Manziel signing with an NFL team, Gruden told his Monday Night Football audience, “I think it’s slim right now. But I’m still not going to give up hope.”

But Manziel’s hopes gave way to reality for Gruden and the Raiders again Friday.