Editor’s note: Scott Bair is in Indianapolis to cover the NFL Combine. Check back for his comprehensive coverage and catch his nightly updates on SportsNet Central.
INDIANAPOLIS – Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was an NFL player once, a pretty good one at that. He understands the business from both sides, as a person trying to maximize his value and someone trying to piece a 53-man roster together.
That’s why he had no problem with Donald Penn voicing displeasure with progress on a new contract with the Raiders.
“I saw his comments, and I don’t think anything he said was out of line,” Del Rio said. “Everybody wants (a contract) to happen right now, to happen yesterday. These things sometimes take a little time. Both sides are working on it and hopefully we’ll get something done.”
Penn’s agent is scheduled to meet with Raiders brass this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in hopes of bridging a value gap and reaching an agreement to keep Penn in silver and black.
“That’s part of this time of year,” Del Rio said. “There’s a time for play and a time for pay. This is the time for pay, and he’s trying to get that resolved. Once that’s all settled, we’ll come together as a team and we’ll go.”
Del Rio said it would be nice for Penn to return and keep continuity on the offensive front. Prospects of Penn’s return have been in focus lately because he is the only major offensive or defensive player ready to hit unrestricted free agency.
Punter Marquette King is another top player close to free agency, but there is confidence on both sides that a longer-term pact can be reached there.
The Raiders have big plans for this offseason, and hope to use draft picks and significant salary-cap space to form a legitimate playoff contender.
Del Rio is confident that will happen.
“I’d like us to make good decisions and keep the guys that we can and assemble the best football team we can,” Del Rio said. “I have input and am working with Reggie hand in hand. I trust in the process of what we’re doing.”
