Nick Martin will compete with Andre James to replace Rodney Hudson as Raiders’ center

It appears that the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders’ starting center is either going to be Andre James or Nick Martin as the team tries to replace star Rodney Hudson.

NFL Media reported on Thursday evening that the Raiders are bringing in Martin, who has started for the Houston Texans for four seasons at center.

The Raiders could always draft a center in the early rounds, but for now it seems as if the primary competition in training camp will be between James and Martin. On paper, the favorite may be Martin because of his experience. But that may be too simple.

The Raiders like James and he has been in their program. Some people in the team’s building think he is up for the job and will win the competition to snap to quarterback Derek Carr.

Yet, it was important for the Raiders to bring in a player who has been a starter.

Of course, the reality is whether James or Martin are the starter, they will have a hard time producing the way Hudson has for the past six season with the team. The elite center was traded to the Arizona Cardinals with a seventh-round draft pick for a third-round pick in the 2021 draft.

Whatever happens, a new era beckons.