ALAMEDA -- Donald Penn believes the Raiders are a team on the rise. The veteran left tackle was extolled the franchise’s virtues while cleaning out his locker after the season. He is excited about offensive strides made in 2015, an the upside that comes with a unit that can grow together.

Penn said all that knowing full well he may not be back next season. His two-year contract is set to expire, and while he wants to stay and the Raiders have interest in bringing him back, no new contract is imminent.

“It’s not up to me. I did everything I could do,” Penn said Monday. “The business side is the part that sucks. I have to sit back and wait until I hear something.”

Penn just wrapped his ninth season, and has been through contract issues before. He doesn’t like the uncertainty it creates, but hired an agent for a reason. He spoke to his reps about next season on Sunday night, a topic he laid off during the regular season.

His stance hasn’t changed. He wants to remain a Raider long term.

“I just let my agent do his thing,” Penn said. “My first time really talking about it (since the offseason) was last night. I really try to stay focused on football during the season. If I don’t play well, then I’m not putting my best foot forward. That’s what I need to do. That’s how I can play my part.

“I’m going to let my agent do his job, and I’m going to sit back and enjoy the off time and enjoy my family.”

Free agency doesn’t start until March, so there’s plenty of time to get things done. Penn is 32 and still ranks among the league’s best pass blockers, though he allowed seven sacks this season after allowing four the year before.

His pass blocking efficiency is high, and Penn has paired well with young guard Gabe Jackson on the left side. Continuity in that area would seem to be key, but the sides have to agree on a price.

Penn is hopeful that agreement will work out with the Raiders.