Raiders looking to extend Gabe Jackson

The Oakland Raiders have begun the process of extending guard Gabe Jackson’s contract, according to reports.

Last week, after extending quarterback Derek Carr to a new deal, Oakland has turned their attention to another contract extension. According to a report, Gabe Jackson and the Raiders have had preliminary discussions about a new contract.

As Zach Links of Pro Football Rumors points out, discussions are in the early stages and a deal may not be close. After wrapping up Carr’s deal, Jackson and linebacker Khalil Mack are next in line for new contracts. After that, assuming the Raiders have any money left, next in line would be wide receiver Amari Cooper.

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A third-round draft pick from Mississippi State in 2014, Jackson has been a starter with the Raiders ever since. An extension won’t come cheap, as the cost for interior lineman has grown in recent years. The Raiders know that truth all too well, as 2016 free-agent acquisition Kelechi Osemele is the highest-paid guard in the game.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif of the Kansas City Chiefs as well as Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler of the Cleveland Browns have signed new contracts as interior lineman that will certainly help raise the price of a contract for Jackson.

For an organization facing a significant amount of uncertainty leading to their pending relocation to Las Vegas, the Raiders are doing everything they can to maintain and ensure continuity on the roster.

Oakland also anticipates competing with the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos for the AFC West title and playoffs. The Raiders have the best offensive line in the division, and keeping Jackson will go along way in keeping that quality offensive line around for seasons to come.