The Las Vegas Raiders are now launching a head coaching search after firing Pete Carroll, but there are still roster moves to make. With the season ending, every player on the team’s practice squad becomes a free agent.
Many practice squad players don’t get much of a chance to play during the season, but that doesn’t mean they could have some potential in the future. The Raiders no longer have to limit their roster to 53 players, so they were able to add 12 players on Reserve/Future contracts.
The Raiders announced that they’ve signed the following 12 players.
- Chris Collier RB
- McClendon Curtis G
- Jamin Davis LB
- Phillip Dorsett II WR
- Treven Ma’ae DT
- Joshua Miles T
- Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. TE
- Brenden Rice WR
- Layden Robinson G
- Justin Shorter WR
- Laki Tasi OL
- Dalton Wagner OL
None of these are new names, as they were all part of the practice squad at the end of the season. Dorsett is an interesting name to bring back. The former first-round pick is 33 years old and previously played with minority owner Tom Brady earlier in his career.
Rice, who is the son of former Raiders wide receiver and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, is another intriguing player to bring back. He had some success in college at USC, but hasn’t had many opportunities to show what he can do at the NFL level.
Aidan O’Connell Praises Carroll
Carroll’s lone season with the Raiders was a huge disappointment, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t earn the respect of the players. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell was a big fan of what the coach did this season.
“I think Pete [Carroll] really did a great job all year,” O’Connell said after Sunday’s game. “I mean, we did two-minute in walk-throughs, but we did two minutes twice a week, and the entire year talked about every situation you can imagine.
“And so, when you do that, when you rep it that much, it feels a little more comfortable. It’s funny, I think we had – last year we played Kansas City, it was almost the same situation, and it was great to execute it this time. And obviously, Daniel [Carlson] to make it like that was awesome.”
Michael Mayer Has Strong End to Season
With the emergence of Brock Bowers, tight end Michael Mayer has had a hard time making a consistent impact. Bowers was out for the final two games, which gave Mayer the chance to be the featured tight end.
He had 12 catches for 136 yards combined to finish the season. O’Connell was happy he was able to see some more targets.
“I love Mike [Mayer]. Came in together, been through a lot together, all the changes and everything,” O’Connell said. “And so, he’s worked super hard, he’s a great player. I mean, he really, at the end of our rookie year, really came on really strong. And I think he’s really a solid player for us and I think the number one tight end a lot of places. So, our tight end room is awesome. Steck [Luke Steckel] does a great job coaching those guys. And, yeah, super happy for Mike.”
Raiders Sign 12 Players, Including Ex-Tom Brady Teammate & Son of Hall of Famer