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HENDERSON, Nev. -- Arguably, one of the most surprising moves announced by the Las Vegas Raiders on cut-down day was the release of guard Alex Bars. Last season, Bars started 14 games for Las Vegas and was an integral part of the offensive line that paved the way for Josh Jacobs to lead the NFL in rushing.
However, Bars fought to keep his starting position this offseason once the Raiders signed veteran guard Greg Van Roten. Although Bars started most of last season for Las Vegas, Van Roten has played over 90 NFL games, starting in over 50. That experience makes Van Roten much more valuable to the Silver and Black.
"I’ve played a lot of football," Van Roten said. "I have a lot of experience and I kind of know how it goes. So, the more you can do, the more opportunity you're going to have. And I just try to make the most of the opportunities that I get when I am in there."
Van Roten, who is joining his fifth NFL team, feels consistency has been vital to prolonging his career as he enters his eighth NFL season.
"Just being consistent and working hard every day," Van Roten said.
"It sounds simple, but it's a hard thing to do because once you're consistent, coaches will trust you and they'll give you more opportunity. And that's just kind of how it goes. So, I've been lucky enough to play a lot and get exposed a lot and be around a lot of good coaches and just helped my career get to this point."
Bars is the only starting offensive lineman from last season not to make the roster this season. The addition of Van Roten makes the Raiders' offensive line even more versatile. Coach Josh McDaniels values offensive linemen who can play multiple positions.
"He's been a really important cog for us here, as we've kind of gone through training camp," McDaniels said. "He acclimated quickly to our terminology. He's a physical guy and practices well every day. He does a good job of communicating with the guys on either side of him; understands the offense."
The Raiders front office made it a point to continue adding quality depth to the roster to create a culture of competition throughout the team. Competition leads to some players making the roster and others not, but competition also breeds excellence.
The Silver and Black open the regular season at the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4:25 p.m. EDT/1:25 p.m. PDT.
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