Three of the Las Vegas Raiders' five starting offensive linemen from this season are set to hit free agency. Having been with the team since 2021, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor could be the most important of the three for many reasons.
Each season since joining the Raiders, Eluemunor has played at least 14 games. In two of those seasons, Eluemunor played all 17 games, helping bring stability to what was one of the best offensive lines in the National Football League in 2022, when running back Josh Jacobs led the league in rushing.
In addition to his ability to play full seasons, Eluemunor proved even more valuable to the Raiders this past season when injuries to left tackle Kolton Miller arose.
Eluemunor's ability to play both tackle positions made him even more of an asset to the Raiders. It is tough to find a capable left tackle. Finding a tackle that can play both right and left tackle is even more challenging.
Eluemunor's ability to play left tackle in Miller's absence essentially allowed the Raiders to have a starting-caliber tackle replace an already great tackle. This is a luxury few teams have around the NFL.
Eluemunor signed a one-year deal worth about $3 million last offseason. Considering how this season went for Las Vegas' offense, Eluemunor was one of the few constants for their offense, solidifying himself as a leader for the unit.
While the Raiders very well could find a replacement for Eluemunor on paper, it would be tough to find a player with as much versatility along the offensive line as Eluemunor, especially at the tackle position, arguably the most important position along the offensive line.
The Raiders will have to think long and hard about Eluemunor's future. Still, they'd be hard-pressed to replace his production and availability, especially if they could sign him to another team-friendly deal. Professional sports are a business. For Las Vegas, bringing Eluemunor back for another season might be best for business.
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