NAPA – Left tackle Donald Penn isn't at Raiders training camp, hoping his absence will produce a new, more lucrative contract. General manager Reggie McKenzie wanted him here Friday, and hopes his holdout ends fast. Like, now.
Sources have indicated the Raiders aren't thrilled with Penn's decision to stay away despite having a year left on his contract.
Penn is scheduled to make a $5.8 million base salary, with $750,000 in "likely to be earned" incentives. He wants top 10 tackle money – he is undoubtedly a top 10 tackle – a demand that would drive his 2017 salary into eight figures.
McKenzie was asked about the prospect of a new deal for Penn, and intimated that Penn's stance may be improved if he reports.
"I want him in camp," McKenzie said. "He has a deal. I want him in camp. We don't talk contracts unless a guy's here."
Like Raiders players and coaches, McKenzie expressed love for Penn, and reiterated that he wants his Pro Bowl left tackle to report.
"Donald's my guy," McKenzie said. "I love him to death. Since he stepped right in after the loss of (Jared) Veldheer, he's been my guy. That's not going to change. That said, we'd love to have him here. If you guys would go down to L.A. and drive him up I'd appreciate it."
