SAN FRANCISCO –- Donald Penn wants to remain an Oakland Raider. The veteran left tackle spent his last two seasons anchoring a solid offensive line, protecting quarterback Derek Carr’s blind side.
That’s a job he longs to keep, despite the fact he’s no longer under contract. His two-year, $9.6 million deal is up, and provided great value to a team needing stability at a crucial spot while it existed.
There’s an exclusive negotiating window between player and team until early March, and Penn is upset the Raiders haven’t taken advantage of it.
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SIGN UP HERE Penn says there’s been radio silence between player and team since the season ended.
“I’m not going to lie. I’m a little disappointed in the Oakland Raiders right now,” Penn told CSNCalifornia.com on Friday morning. “That’s just me being honest. I don’t talk to my agent about deals during the season because I like to focus on my play. But, going into the offseason we talked and my agent said he talked to the team and they said they want me back and want me back. That’s what they told me before I left, but I haven’t heard from them since the season ended.”
Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said this week the Raiders have decided which players they’d like to keep, but that they have plenty of time to work out deals with their players.
“Now it’s all about the economics of it,” McKenzie said.
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Penn wants to get a deal done in Oakland, but is now considering other options.
“I’m really disappointed, and I’m starting to look at other opportunities,” Penn said. “As man and a player, we have to start looking at other things. Me and my agent are starting to put together a group of teams that need a left tackle and things like that.”
Despite that fact, Penn still wants to stay in Oakland. He also wants fair market value for a player who was a top-15 tackle in terms of pass protection. He allowed 32 pressures in 644 pass plays. There were a few moments he’d like to have back, but was a solid presence for an offensive line, which, generally speaking, thrives with continuity.
“We’ll see what happens next,” Penn said. “I did everything I could. I had two great seasons, two of the best of my career. You know, it’s a great time to be a free agent for me.”
Penn is a football player, and hates going through contract issues.
“This is the part of football that I hate,” Penn said. “Derek and I have a great relationship. (Left guard) Gabe Jackson and I have a great relationship. I have a great relationship with the entire offensive line. I built that over two years. I would love to see that continue, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.”