Nelson might be Raiders’ highlight
As NFL free agency officially began Wednesday with the start of the new league year, the Raiders remained relatively quiet — albeit poised to make a splash — on the transaction front.
A day after being released by the Packers, receiver Jordy Nelson reportedly was in Alameda to meet with the Raiders. It was the first freeagent visit for Nelson, 32, a former favorite target of Aaron Rodgers who in 2016 led the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns. NBC Sports Bay Area reported that quarterback Derek Carr was part of a Raiders welcoming committee that greeted Nelson at the airport.
Into Wednesday afternoon, though, the team had an-
nounced nothing of its progress with Nelson. Amid a flurry of league-wide action, the Raiders made only a few, less glamorous moves.
One was to bring back tight end Lee Smith on a three-year contract, according to multiple reports. It came a day after the team had signed Derek Carrier, another tight end who has been used primarily as a blocker in his career.
Smith caught just eight passes for 76 yards last season, but was on the field for about 33 percent of the Raiders’ snaps. New head coach Jon Gruden has reiterated the importance of having blocking tight ends for his offense, and Smith is also a solid lockerroom presence, having served as the team’s union representative last season.
Of their unrestricted free agents, the Raiders had agreed to bring back only Smith and defensive tackle Justin Ellis — who also received a three-year deal — by Wednesday, allowing the rest to test the open market. Some did not remain unattached for long.
NFL analyst Adam Caplan reported Wednesday afternoon that cornerback TJ Carrie and the Browns had agreed to a four-year deal worth $31 million. Last season, Carrie made a base salary of about $1.8 million while playing the second-most defensive snaps (behind safety Reggie Nelson).
Carrie last month had expressed a desire to stay with the Raiders, but the team likely wasn’t interested in matching the Browns’ offer despite his consistent play last season and its situation at cornerback. The Raiders have parted with corners David Amerson, Sean Smith and Carrie this offseason and are seriously thin at the position.
Of their returning cornerbacks, only Dexter McDonald played more than 100 snaps (534), followed by 2017 firstround pick Gareon Conley (92), Antonio Hamilton (55) and 2017 second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, a safety who made one start at corner.
The Raiders also opted not to re-sign defensive lineman Denico Autry, who reportedly is joining the Colts. NFL Network reported that Autry’s deal with Indianapolis is three years and $17.8 million. It’s a similar structure to the reported three-year deal the Raiders gave Ellis, apparently opting to keep Ellis, a run stuffer, over Autry, who had five sacks last season.
Oakland free agents still unsigned include linebacker NaVorro Bowman, safety Reggie Nelson, quarterback EJ Manuel and kicker Sebastian Janikowski. ESPN reported Wednesday morning Janikowski has drawn interest from the Chargers and was expected to visit Los Angeles.
The Raiders on Wednesday also tendered offers to all five of their exclusive-rights free agents, per a team source. Those players are linebacker Shilique Calhoun, linebacker James Cowser, safety Erik Harris, guard Denver Kirkland and kicker Giorgio Tavecchio.