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Raiders, rookie first-round pick Gareon Conley reportedly finalizing contract

The Raiders are close to finalizing a deal with Gareon Conley

On the same day that the Bay Area rival San Francisco 49ers finalized a contract with first-round pick Solomon Thomas, it looks like the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of following suit.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders are finalizing a contract with rookie first-round pick Gareon Conley.

This is notable in that Conley was accused of an especially horrific crime leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite those explosive allegations, Conley still ended up landing with the Raiders in the first round.

The alleged off-field incident definitely played a role in negotiations between the Raiders and this former Ohio State standout. It’s highly likely that off-set language will be included in the deal as to protect the Raiders should Conley himself face charges.

On the field, Conley enters camp as a potential starter on a Raiders defense that struggled a great deal against the pass last season. Getting him under contract for camp had to be the Raiders’ biggest need.

This also comes on the same day that Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn didn’t report to camp, thus beginning what could potentially be a long-term holdout for the veteran.

Oakland finished last season with 12 wins and was likely a Derek Carr injury away from going deep into the playoffs. It enters camp as one of the top favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Getting Conley locked up on Day 1 of training camp is a big deal.

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