Raiders: Oakland signs linebacker NaVorro Bowman, whom the 49ers released last week.
Give this to Raiders officials: They pounced on NaVorro Bowman before he could even get out of the Bay Area.
Oakland signed Bowman, the former 49ers linebacker, to a one-year contract Monday. Head coach Jack Del Rio confirmed the acquisition during his weekly news conference.
Del Rio also left the door open for Bowman to play Thursday night against Kansas City, saying, “We’ll see how the week goes and how he picks things up.”
Bowman, 29, fortifies a thin position for the Raiders — they largely are unproven at linebacker, beyond Bruce Irvin. Rookies Marquel Lee and Nicholas Morrow have landed significant playing time in the season’s first six games, along with second-year linebacker Cory James.
Another rookie, Xavier Woodson-Luster, joined the rotation Sunday with Lee out while nursing an ankle injury. Tyrell Adams, who also got some snaps against the Chargers, was waived Monday to clear a roster spot for Bowman.
Put another way: The Raiders can use Bow-
man. Absolutely.
“Obviously, he’s a veteran guy who has played a lot of good ball over the years,” Del Rio said. “We’re excited to have him. We’re a little green at the linebacker position, so we think he’s a nice addition.”
Bowman is a four-time firstteam All-Pro selection, even if injuries have robbed him of speed in recent years. He missed the 2014 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and he missed the final 12 games last season with a torn left Achilles tendon.
Bowman still is considered a strong run defender and reliable tackler.
He visited Raiders headquarters in Alameda on Monday morning and had planned subsequent visits to the Cowboys and possibly the Saints. But before those trips happened, Bowman struck his deal with the Raiders. He signed for one year and $3 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Del Rio acknowledged that he didn’t watch much video of Bowman, but he did meet with him Monday.
“Very impressive young man,” Del Rio said. “Kind of a man’s man. He’s been a tough player and part of some really good defenses his entire career.”
The 49ers released Bowman on Friday. San Francisco’s rampant youth movement was cutting into his playing time, and he was reluctant to accept a reduced role.
The Raiders, conversely, need to win now. Sunday’s 17-16 loss to the Chargers extended Oakland’s losing streak to four games. The Raiders (2-4) host the first-place Chiefs (5-1) on Thursday night at the Coliseum.
Bowman joins a long list of big-name 49ers who migrated to the Raiders. Among the most notable: Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, Tom Rathman and Michael Crabtree, the leading receiver on this season’s Oakland team.
“Very impressive young man. Kind of a man’s man.” Jack Del Rio, Raiders’ head coach, after meeting with NaVorro Bowman