After meeting with both the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins, tackle Donald Penn elected to sign with the Raiders on Tuesday.
While both teams went hard after Penn - who was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week - there was one major difference that tilted the decision in the Raiders’ favor.
In an interview with Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt on Sirius XM NFL Radio, Penn said the chance to be a left tackle in Oakland was a major factor in his decision to join the silver and black.
“The Redskins wanted me to play tight tackle,” Penn said. Ultimately, I wanted to play left tackle. I love going against the best on the field.”
Penn played on the left side of the line with the Buccaneers and likely feels more comfortable on that end of the line of scrimmage. With Trent Williams entrenched as the starter at left tackle in Washington, Penn felt the Raiders were the better fit.
“Whoever the QB is in Oakland next season, they’ll be able to sleep better at night knowing their blind side is protected,” Penn said.
Penn has been incredibly durable over his nine-year career. Penn has started 108 straight games since earning a starting job with the Buccaneers five weeks into the 2007 season.