Getty New Washington OL David Sharpe.
Though David Sharpe was solid in relief of an injured Trent Brown last season, it was starting to look like he was on his way out during Las Vegas Raiders training camp. Sam Young was taking first-team snaps while Brown missed some practice which wasn’t a good look for Sharpe. With roster cuts looming, the Raiders were able to get something in return for the offensive lineman.
Washington announced that they’ve acquired Sharpe in trade with Las Vegas.
We have acquired T David Sharpe from the Las Vegas Raiders
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Washington is getting Sharpe and a seventh-round pick while the Raiders are getting a sixth-round pick. He was definitely on the roster bubble so it’s a good move for Las Vegas to get some draft compensation. For Washington, Sharpe does have talent and could even end up starting for the team. It’s a pretty good bargain for them should he make the team.
Sharpe Was Drafted by Jack Del Rio
The fact that former Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio is on Washington’s coaching staff could have played a role in the Sharpe acquisition. He was a fourth-round pick by Del Rio in the 2017 draft. He was actually one of only seven players who weren’t originally brought in by Jon Gruden.
With the news that Washington head coach Ron Rivera has cancer, there’s a chance Del Rio may have to take over coaching duties at some point this season. It doesn’t hurt for him to have some player he’s familiar with on the team.
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Trade Likely Means Trent Brown Is Okay
This trade comes an interesting time as Trent Brown is back to missing practice, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. The Pro Bowl right tackle missed a chunk of training camp for undisclosed reasons but made his return before everything wrapped up. While it’s certainly a situation to watch, the decision to trade Sharpe likely means that he’s okay.
The Raiders aren’t about to move on from one of their better backup offensive linemen if they aren’t confident that Brown will be ready in time for the season. After his first season with the team, injuries are going to have to be something to watch with the gigantic tackle. He missed several games last season and he’s already missing practice time.
He’s one of the two highest-paid players on the Raiders so he needs to be available. When he was on the field, he was arguably the best right tackle in the NFL. His masterpiece was absolutely shutting down former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack. When he’s healthy, there aren’t a lot of players who can get past him.
The Raiders have invested a ton of money into their offensive line and they have one of the best units in the NFL. Sam Young is a guy with a ton of experience who should hold up well if he has to play for an injured Brown but it’s far from ideal. Hopefully, he’s only sitting out for precautionary reasons.
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