Oakland Raiders Sign Hybrid Fullback Marcel Reece to Contract Extension

Breaking news, coming from the Oakland Raiders themselves, reports that fullback Marcel Reece will sign a contract extension today before the Raiders host the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football.

Jason la Canfora reported the contract extension via his Twitter account:

"

Dynamic FB Marcel Reese and the Raiders will finalize a contract extension today, prior to Oakland opening the season vs. San Diego

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 10, 2012"

It was just this past offseason when we saw Reece hold out during contract negotiations between himself and Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie.  Reece eventually signed his exclusive rights tender, which was for one year and less than $500,000.  Financial terms and the length of Reece's contract extension are not available at this time.

Reece, after coming out of college as a wide receiver, spent two years on Oakland's practice squad learning how to play fullback.  He has maintained his collegiate receiving skills as well as learned to be a good run-blocker for Darren McFadden.  

The last two seasons combined, Reece has 52 receptions for 604 yards and five touchdowns while also carrying the ball 47 times for 234 yards and one touchdown.  

The stat sheet may not inflict fear into opposing defenses, but Reece is a matchup nightmare out of the backfield.  He is often too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs.  Reece is expected to have a larger role with the team after Michael Bush, the primary backup for the last two years, left for Chicago.

This is Reggie McKenzie's second contract extension negotiated with a key player after re-signing Tyvon Branch, who otherwise would've cost the team over $6 million under the franchise tag.

Now that the business aspect of the game is over, it's time for Monday Night Football!