The Las Vegas Raiders made several questionable decisions during Jon Gruden’s tenure, one of the most criticized being their contract with Trent Brown. In 2019, Brown was signed to the highest-paid right tackle contract in the NFL, valued at $66 million. However, his tenure with the Raiders lasted only two seasons before he was traded to the New England Patriots.
Now, Brown is set to continue his NFL journey with a new team. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Brown will join the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year contract, as reported on March 19“The Bengals are adding a key piece on their O-Line, as #Patriots free agent OT Trent Brown plans to sign a 1-year with them, source said. He’s in Cincy on a visit today. A new home protecting Joe Burrow for Brown.”
The Bengals have faced ongoing issues protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, and Brown’s addition is expected to address this concern. When healthy, Brown remains one of the top pass blockers in the league. Last season, he was in one-on-one pass-blocking situations for 88.3% of snaps, the highest rate among left tackles, and allowed pressure on just 7.1% of those snaps, the second-lowest in the NFL.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 370 pounds, Brown’s immense size makes him a formidable presence on the field. His physicality and blocking skills could be a significant asset for the Bengals, provided he remains injury-free.
One reason Brown is not commanding a larger contract this offseason is his health. During his time with the Raiders, he missed 16 games over two seasons. Although he played all 17 games in 2022, he again struggled with injuries in 2023, missing six games.
Brown also faced criticism from fans due to his frequent social media disputes and outspoken nature regarding his current and former teams. While he is a talented player when on the field, his health and off-field behavior have led to frustration among fans and teams alike.
With Brown’s departure, the Raiders have struggled to stabilize their right tackle position. This may change with their upcoming draft strategy. According to Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft for ESPN, the Raiders are projected to select Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham with the 13th pick.
Kiper notes that Latham, who started 27 games at Alabama and allowed just two sacks, could significantly bolster the Raiders’ offensive line. At 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds, Latham excels in both pass protection and the run game, which could help the Raiders improve their offensive performance. Given their struggles with running back Josh Jacobs’ departure to Green Bay and a need to revamp their run game, Latham could play a crucial role in their rebuild.
If drafted, Latham would likely be positioned at right tackle, allowing Kolton Miller to continue his role at left tackle. Strengthening the offensive line could be a strategic move for the Raiders, particularly if they don’t find their ideal quarterback in the draft.