Oakland Raiders rumors: Donald Penn holding out on training camp for new contract

Raiders left tackle Donald Penn is reportedly not showing up for training camp over a contract dispute.

Ah, the wonderful time of the year when players have to do what is right and stand up for themselves if they believe they are underpaid. Such is the case of Oakland Raiders Pro-Bowl left tackle, Donald Penn. Shortly after franchise cornerstones Derek Carr and Gabe Jackson got paid, Penn wants some too.

Unfortunately, on the brink of what could be a very special year for the Raiders and their fans, Penn skipping out on training camp casts a shadow.

Last season, Penn was a top ten left tackle vs. the pass rush. Penn started every regular season game for the Raiders last season. Then, he missed their first playoff game in 15 years with an injury. But Penn is the pinnacle of consistency for the Raiders. The number of sacks he allowed is the same as the number of touchdowns he scored: one.

(Unfortunately, that sack will live on in infamy as it is the play during which Carr broke his leg.)

In any case, Penn is still a top ten left tackle in the league, but is being paid in the bottom 20. At this current moment he makes $7M, most of which comes from incentives that he may not even reach. Penn deserves to be paid more and if holding out is the only way to get paid, then by all means, hold away.

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Penn’s value to the Raiders is unquestioned. Without him manning Carr’s blind side, the Raiders will not win eight games this season and all hopes of a Super Bowl run would fly right out the window. The Raiders have a very good offensive line, and Penn is a large part of that. At 34, age is the only real hiccup at this point. But despite his age, Penn deserves to be paid.