Monday was a big day for starting offensive guard Gabe Jackson as his entire salary ($9.35 million) became fully guaranteed. Considering that Jackson was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason, he is now locked into the starting lineup given his salary.
In a recent article by Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Jackson confirms that he was a bit anxious about whether or not he would return with the Raiders this season. But now that his salary is guaranteed, he no longer has to worry about his future this season with the Raiders.
Here is a snippet of Jackson’s thoughts about this season via an interview with Tafur:
“I hadn’t heard anything, and you never know. It was a weird feeling, but I am very happy to be back. I’m really enjoying playing with those other guys (on the line), and I know we’re going to have some fun. . . . Like Richie said, we are going to be physical and lean on people. This isn’t two-hand touch.”
While there were some concerns that Jackson wouldn’t return this season, general manager Mike Mayock seemed to put that thought to rest after the draft. However, it is worth noting that Jackson has no guaranteed money left on his contract after the 2020 season and the team did draft John Simpson in the fourth round of this year’s draft.
But as of now, Jackson will be the team’s starting right guard for the 2020 season. And if he can stay healthy, the Raiders could have one of the best interior offensive lines in the NFL with Richie Incognito and Rodney Hudson next to him. Look for the 29-year old guard to have one of the best seasons of his career this year.
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