Rodney Hudson helped out the Las Vegas Raiders today by reportedly restructuring the remainder of his contract helping his team gain valuable salary cap space.
The Las Vegas Raiders were ultra-active in the early NFL free agency period which helped them bolster their defense, but it also depleted their available salary-cap space. But, as he’s always been the ultimate teammate, veteran Raiders center Rodney Hudson has reportedly agreed to restructure his contract to give the team more flexibility.
As first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, $11.6 million of Hudson’s base salary is being converted into a fully guaranteed roster bonus thus freeing up $9.3 million for the Raiders. This gives the suddenly cash-strapped Raiders more cash to use on their rookie class and perhaps lower-priced free agent additions.
The Pro Bowl center has been a rock for the Raiders on the field and his agreement to restructure his deal means Las Vegas has more freedom to continue their aggressive offseason build as they head into the first season in their new home.
Although the Raiders have been big spenders in free agency, especially on defense, there are still key holes to fill on both sides of the ball. With the NFL Draft still taking place this month in an altered format, the ability for the Raiders to have the cash to lure some depth at key positions via free agency, and then have the money to sign their rookie class, means they can get much closer to their goal of becoming a playoff contender.
Hudson is entering his sixth season since signing as a free agent with the Raiders in 2015 having been selected to three Pro Bowls as the anchor of the Raiders resurgent offensive line. Hudson’s restructure could mean his linemate Gabe Jackson, who was thought to become a cap victim this offseason, could remain with the team.