According to Jared Veldheer in a radio interview, the Oakland Raiders and the massive offensive tackle’s agent are in contract talks, negotiating a deal to keep him in the silver and black on a long term deal. Veldheer, who has battled injuries this year, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season and it appears as though the Raiders would like to take him off the market before he ever gets a chance to go on it.
The Raiders front office, led by Reggie McKenzie, has spent much of this season trying to rid their books of bad contracts, which has been ugly in the short term, but might allow these types of deals to be done, so the Raiders can build to some sustained success. Veldheer has been one of their best players since being drafted out of Hillsdale College as a third round pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Veldheer is just 26 years old and plays a position that allows for durability, so a 5-7 year deal could be a good investment for the Raiders.