Andre James Rejoins Raiders with Lucrative $24 Million Agreement

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Per a report by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders intend to secure center Andre James with a three-year contract, preempting his potential free agency status this offseason.

Rapoport indicates that James’ new contract will amount to $24 million, inclusive of $16 million in guaranteed funds. 

This stands in contrast to his previous contract valued at $8.65 million spanning two years.

During the previous season, James exhibited consistency by playing and starting in all 16 games for the Raiders, with a singular absence due to an ankle injury. 

Notably, he conceded merely four sacks and incurred three penalties.

In the preceding season, James similarly featured prominently, playing and starting in 15 games. This marked his second consecutive season as a primary starter, following his full participation in all games during the 2021 season, wherein the Raiders secured a postseason berth.

Andre James’ Crucial Role in Raiders’ Consistency

Andre-James-Rejoins-Raiders-with-Lucrative-$24-Million-Agreement
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 14: Center Andre James #68 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks on the field as his teammates warm up for a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 63-21.

The Raiders acquired James as an undrafted free agent from UCLA in 2019. 

During his rookie season, he appeared in 12 games and made one start. In the subsequent season, James participated in all 16 games for the team.

For the 2023 season, Pro Football Focus assigned James an overall grade of 74.6, positioning him ninth among all active centers (meeting the minimum required number of snaps). 

His run-blocking grade stood at 75.0, while his pass-blocking grade was 71.2.

The retention of James is of paramount importance for the Raiders, as it alleviates the need to seek a new starter to fill the role he has effectively occupied for the past three seasons.

James’ contribution to the offensive line is integral for the team’s pursuit of consistency in this area. 

Additionally, his presence allows the Raiders to minimize the need to deploy players like Dylan Parham in roles outside their primary positions, thus contributing to the sustained consistency they strive to achieve.

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