Raiders keep Manuel, add OT Giacomini

Backup QB returns; O-line taking shape

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Raiders decided to keep backup QB EJ Manuel and likely found a starting right tackle Thursday.

Manuel joins Connor Cook and recent signee Josh Johnson as the team’s quarterback reserves entering the April 9 start of the Raiders’ voluntary workout program. Manuel won the No. 2 job last offseason during a competition that largely appeared decided by the start of camp.

The team also announced the signing of right tackle Breno Giacomini, 32, who started 16 games for the Houston Texans last season.

Manuel returned to the franchise he first joined last March. He appeared in two games, completing a Week 4 road loss to the Denver Broncos after Derek Carr exited with three lower-back fractures. He started the following week, a home loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He’s the favorite to serve as Carr’s primary backup again.

Manuel, a 2013 first-round pick from Florida State, spent the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. He started 17 games there, tallying a 77.5 quarterback rating while totaling 3,502 yards, 19 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. With the Raiders, he completed 24 of 53 passes for 265 yards, one touchdown and an interception, good for a 72.3 rating.

Contract terms were not available, although this deal likely was cost effective.

He played 2017 under a one-year deal featuring a $775,000 minimum salary. He counted only $640,000 against the cap.

Giacomini’s arrival follows this month’s release of Marshall Newhouse, who started 14 times for the Raiders in 2017.

David Sharpe, a 2017 fourth-round pick, and Vadal Alexander are other candidates. Sharpe is considered more versatile than Alexander, able to play left tackle where a separate state of uncertainty exists. Donald Penn, 35 in April, is coming off foot surgery and entering the final year of his contract.

All in all, Giacomini’s experience is a welcome addition.

He has appeared in 94 games for the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and Texans since 2008. Of those, he has made 84 starts. He and Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable overlapped in Seattle from 2011 to 2013, a period during which Giacomini started 33 games.

Contract terms were not immediately available.

Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Gehlkennfl on Twitter.

Winslow Townson The Associated Press file The newest addition to the Raiders’ offensive line is former Houston tackle Breno Giacomini, who had 16 starts last season and has played in 94 NFL games.