Incognito, team agree on 2year extension
Richie Incognito will be part of the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Monday, the Raiders agreed with the veteran left guard on a twoyear extension worth $14 million, a source confirmed. NFL Network first reported terms of the deal, which includes $6.35 million guaranteed.
Incognito, 36, was voted a Pro Bowl alternate after making 12 starts in his first season with the Raiders. He served a twogame suspension to begin the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and missed the last two games with an ankle injury.
Incognito did not play in the NFL in 2018, a year that included a series of legal issues. However, he made a positive impression on the Raiders this season. On the field, he helped upgrade an offensive line that allowed the fewest quarterback hits (52) in the NFL and finished 13th in rushing offense at 118.3 yards per game.
“I think he’s a big part of this team,” head coach Jon Gruden said Monday. “To get Incognito for two more years is big for us. He’s a leader on this team. He’s an excellent player. He has a lot of life in his legs and his body. He has a passion to still keep going. And we think he’s one of the best interior players in football.”
In flux: The Raiders won’t be leaving their Alameda headquarters immediately. Gruden said the team plans to hold its offseason program in the Bay Area and training camp in Napa, then formally move to Las Vegas after breaking camp to start the 2020 season.
“It’s exciting, man,” Gruden said. “We are excited to know where we’re going to be playing and excited to have a city that is excited about having us.” Look back: Asked about factors in the Raiders losing five of their last six games to finish 79, Gruden said: “I think the cold weather is one thing.”
Three late losses came in cold weather at New York, Kansas City and Denver. Gruden said the Raiders will “continue to hear it ... until we prove as a West Coast team we can go out on a cold day and win. We have to prove we can exorcise that demon.” Briefly: Tight end Darren Waller, who had 90 catches for 1,145 yards in a breakout season, had thumb surgery Monday, Gruden said . ... Gruden said he intends to return his coaching staff intact next season, though some coaches could be offered jobs elsewhere. “There’s a lot of things that come up,” Gruden said. “I’m going to treat it all today just by saying that we’ll see what happens. And we’ll do what’s right and what we feel is best for our team.” ... The Raiders signed defensive ends Ade Aruna and Kendall Donnerson, defensive back Jordan Brown, offensive linemen Erik Magnuson and Kyle Kalis and receiver Anthony RatliffWilliams to reserve/future contracts. All six finished the season on the Raiders’ practice squad.