Mayock locks up O-line

Incognito’s extension is GM’s first offseason move

Richie Incognito turned his comeback tryout with the Raiders into a one-year, prove-it contract. Then the 36-year-old offensive lineman with a long history of trouble on and off the field converted that into a longer, more lucrative deal that will keep him on the team through its first two years in Las Vegas.

Showing an urgency to get started on their offseason program, general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden signed Incognito to a contract extension less than 24 hours after the Raiders lost their season finale in Denver.

It was a move designed to keep the Raiders offensive line together. At the same time, it sent a signal that the front office feels it has adequately addressed one of the team’s pressing concerns entering last season.

“He’s a big part of this team and to get Incognito for two more years is big for us,” Gruden said at his season-ending press conference. “He’s a leader on this team. He’s an excellent player, he has a lot of life in his legs, in his body. He has the passion to still keep going and we think he’s one of the best interior players in football.”