Raiders add former Broncos RB Booker
Devontae Booker, who had an outstanding rookie season in 2016 for the Denver Broncos only to fall into disuse, has signed a contract with the Raiders and will compete for a spot on the roster as a running back.
An undrafted free agent out of Utah by way of Sacramento’s Grant High School and American River College, Booker, led Denver in rushing as a fourth-round draft pick with 612 yards on 174 carries with four touchdowns.
However, Booker’s workload dropped to 79 carries to 34 to just two a year ago even though he played in all 16 games.
Booker (5- foot-11, 219 pounds) has proved to be a capable receiver with 31, 30 and 38 receptions from 2016 through 2018, catching just five passes last season.
The signing of Booker came after veteran Frank Gore rejected a Raiders contract offer in favor of joining the New York Jets and coach Adam Gase, who was an offensive coordinator in Denver. Gore told Jim Trotter of NFL Media he turned down an offer from the Raiders.
With the Raiders, Booker will join a position group that includes starting running back Josh Jacobs and reserves Jalen Richard and Lynn Bowden Jr., the latter a third-round draft pick from Kentucky. Richard, retained as a restricted free agent, has been primarily what coach Jon Gruden calls a “satellite back” as a runner/receiver.
Bowden, a running quarterback at Kentucky, is also expected to have a diverse role as opposed to that of a conventional running back that could spell Jacobs in the event of injury or fatigue.
That’s where in theory Booker comes in. Booker as an NFL runner has been more methodical than explosive with none of his 289 career carries going for more than 26 yards.
Booker is expected to join the Raiders this week for Week 3 in their “virtual” off- season program that includes meetings with coaches by teleconference, giving newcomers a chance to learn the offense without actually taking the field.
To make room on the roster, the Raiders released linebacker Derrick Moncrief.
Rookies were permitted to join the virtual off- season program starting this week.