NFL Free Agency Rumors: Donald Penn signed with Raiders to reunite with Greg Olsen

November 25, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Donald Penn (70) works out prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
November 25, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Donald Penn (70) works out prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 25, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Donald Penn (70) works out prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
November 25, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Donald Penn (70) works out prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oakland Raiders managed to find a replacement for Rodger Saffold and Jared Veldheer at left tackle when they signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Donald Penn, and we’re now learning more about why he made the decision he did. According to Vic Tafur, Penn was excited to be reunited with former offensive coordinator Greg Olsen, and that played a factor in his signing with the Raiders.

Olsen and Penn were together in Tampa Bay and had their best years there as well. But both fell out of favor with ownership, with Olsen being fired when the team purged itself of the Raheem Morris regime and Penn getting cut this offseason after not living up to his big contract.

Reuniting in Oakland could be good for both men, and ultimately could benefit the Raiders in ways they couldn’t have imagined. Add Josh Freeman to the mix and all of a sudden the 2011 Buccaneers offense is bettering itself as the 2014 Raiders offense.