NFL Rumors: Donald Penn Leaving Oakland Raiders For New York Giants

NFL rumors have swirled around Donald Penn this week. When the Oakland Raiders signed Kelechi Osemele in free agency, they paid him a lot of money. The belief is that he will be playing tackle instead of guard, so that left many to wonder about the future of Donald Penn. In a smart business move, Penn shopped himself around the National Football League. According to NBC Sports, Penn is set to sign with the New York Giants.

Donald Penn really liked playing for the Oakland Raiders. That’s why he was optimistic that the team would figure out a way to keep him around. When negotiations did not go well, the former Utah State Aggies star decided to take a meeting with the New York Giants. Penn was hoping that the move would force the Raiders to act with more of a sense of urgency. Talks between Donald and the Giants escalated, and the two sides began believing that a partnership would be mutually beneficial.

The New York Giants are set for the next couple of years at left tackle because Ereck Flowers proved to be worth the first round draft pick that was spent on him. If the Giants sign Penn, then he more than likely will be playing right tackle. Earlier in the week, New York met with Russell Okung to see if he wanted to leave the Seattle Seahawks. Since Okung wanted to meet with a couple of other NFL teams, the Giants decided to be proactive and pursue Donald Penn harder.

Donald Penn saw his stock in free agency increase because other tackles had already been signed. Kelvin Beachum left the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the more active NFL teams in free agency. Ryan Harris won the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, which raised his stock. The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star decided to take his talents to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The only NFL team that Donald Penn has visited so far is the New York Giants. The Seattle Seahawks were said to be interested in 32-year-old tackle. The team was hoping that Russell Okung would stick around, but they’re preparing themselves in case he leaves for another team in the National Football League. Penn might not get a chance to meet with Pete Carroll and the Seahawks, as it seems like his negotiations with the Giants are going extremely well.

The New York Giants find Donald Penn to be an appealing option for a couple of reasons. For starters, he’s one of the most durable players in the NFL. Penn has played in all 16 games during each of his nine seasons in the National Football League. He’s a veteran that can help mentor the young Giants offensive line. Penn is also an excellent run blocker, which makes him a really good fit at the right tackle position for New York.

Since the contract has yet to be signed, there’s still a chance that the Oakland Raiders could change their mind and sign Donald Penn. If that happens, then Marshall Newhouse becomes the best option at right tackle for the New York Giants. The former TCU Horned Frogs star started 14 games for the Giants last season, but management was hoping to find an upgrade because they feel that Newhouse is better as a backup for both the left tackle and right tackle spots.

Donald Penn is set to choose where he continues his NFL career. It will be with the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, or possibly the Seattle Seahawks. His decision will force executives and coaches to change up their plans for the upcoming draft.

[Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images]