Austin Howard signs with Raiders

The Raiders have snuck in one more move for the first day of free agency. They have signed former Jets offensive tackle, Austin Howard as ESPN first reported. It is a 5-year, $30 million deal with $15 million of that guaranteed.

This 6-7, 330 pound tackle gave up just two sacks last season according to Pro Football Focus and started every game the past two seasons for the Jets.

The former undrafted free agent out of Northern Iowa spent his first two seasons with the Eagles and Ravens with just one four games played an one start. He came into his own with the Jets and is seen as a talented young player who hit free agency at just the right time.

Austin becomes the second offensive lineman the Raiders signed on the first day of free agency. They also signed OT/OG Rodger Saffold.

Of the four unrestricted free agents the Raiders have signed this off-season, three have been offensive linemen -- Austin, Saffold, and Khalif Barnes. Darren McFadden is the other.

This move solidifies the right tackle spot for the Raiders which saw four different starters last season -- Khalif Barnes, Tony Pashos, Menelik Watson, and Matt McCants. Pashos is a free agent and has yet to be re-signed, Barnes moved to guard by the end of last season, Watson and McCants filled in due to injuries.

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