Making Trent Brown the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL in 2019 was one of the more dubious decisions the Las
Vegas Raiders made while Jon Gruden was head coach. Despite receiving a $66 million contract from the franchise,
he was moved to the New England Patriots after just two seasons.
Even though Brown won’t fetch a high fee, he will sign with another organization. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network
reported on March 19 on X that Brown is signing a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Since joining the NFL, the Bengals have had trouble keeping quarterback Joe Burrow safe, so Brown should be an
improvement at right tackle. He remains one of the NFL’s best pass blocks when healthy. Brown was in one-on-one
situations for 88.3% of pass-blocking snaps in 2023, the greatest percentage of any left tackle, according to Next Gen
Stats. The second-lowest percentage in the NFL was the 7.1% of snaps on which he gave up pressure.
Brown weighs 370 pounds and is 6 feet 8 inches tall. Defensive linemen find it difficult to move one of the NFL’s
biggest players. As long as he can stay on the field, he might prove to be a very valuable asset for the Bengals.
Trent Brown isn’t signing a large contract this offseason for a few reasons. The largest is probably his health. He
missed 16 games in two seasons, which fast infuriated the Raiders. He was able to participate in all 17 games in 2022,
but he missed eight more games in 2021. He missed six games in 2023, though, as he battled to maintain his health
once more.
Because Brown isn’t hesitant to take jabs at his current and past teams, Raiders fans swiftly turned against him. On
social media, he was also infamous for getting into arguments with his followers. Many players use social media, but
during his time with the Raiders, Brown in particular infuriated supporters. When healthy, he’s a very talented
player, but getting him onto the field regularly is a difficult chore.
Right tackle for the Raiders has been a moving target ever since Trent Brown was moved. They have struggled to
identify a long-term starter at this position. This offseason, that might alter.
Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that the Raiders will choose Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham with the No. 13 pick in his
most recent mock draft for ESPN.
In the mock draft on March 19, Kiper stated, “Latham started 27 games at the position in college, surrendering just
two sacks and 16 total pressures.” With his 6 feet 6 inches and 342 pounds, he can also be quite effective in the run
game. Josh Jacobs, a running back, signed with the Green Bay Packers, so Las Vegas is rebuilding its run game
without him, and Latham might be crucial to that effort. Last season, the Raiders’ yards per rush attempt (3.7) placed
them 28th.
In the event that the Raiders selected Latham, Kolton Miller would probably remain at left tackle and the rookie
would be positioned at right tackle. The team needs a quarterback, but if the ideal quarterback isn’t available,
strengthening the offensive line would be a smart decision.
