Raiders brought Richie Incognito in for a visit

Richie Incognito did not play in the NFL last season, but the Oakland Raiders have reportedly kicked his proverbial tires.

The Oakland Raiders took a big step toward bolstering their offensive line via free agency, even if Trent Brown will be the right tackle while second-year man Kolton Miller gets a chance to look way better at left tackle.

Now, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Raiders had free agent guard Richie Incognito in for a workout on Monday.

Incognito did not play last season, after he retired, un-retired and added to a history off odd, troubling off-field incidents. Garafolo added Incognito is “in shape and feeling well” and wants to play again, If he is indeed ready to go in all respects, there may still be a very good player in there.

Over his three seasons (2015-17) with the Buffalo Bills, Pro Football Focus ranked Incognito second (2015), fifth (2016) and 12th (2017) among guards.

He played both guard spots as well as center earlier his career and he earned a Pro Bowl selection at left guard with the Miami Dolphins in 2012.

In Oakland Incognito would be in line to replace Kelechi Osemele, who was traded to the New York Jets this offseason, at left guard.

With Gabe Jackson remaining at right guard, Denzell Goode is currently tabbed as the favorite to be the Raiders’ starter at left guard. It’s safe to say that is not seen as ideal by Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.

Incognito will turn 36 in July, and coming off a year completely out of football obviously isn’t ideal. But an effort to raise the level of play at left guard, via added competition if nothing else, may naturally bring improvement from a fully healthy Miller at left tackle.

Within that scope, bringing Incognito in for a visit and workout makes great sense for the Raiders.