Raiders sign QB Nathan Peterman and LB Cayson Collins to practice squad

There were plenty of rumors floating around that Jon Gruden and the Raiders would likely show interest in former Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman. It all stemmed from Gruden’s rosy analysis at ESPN of Peterman pre-draft, where he praised the QB as a day one contributor.

“Peterman is ready to walk in and be a contributor from day one.” Jon Gruden wrote for ESPN back in 2017, “He just looks like a pro quarterback -- coming out of the huddle, running an offense with different formations, shifting, motioning, different patterns that other colleges don’t run.”

Turns out the rumor of Gruden’s interest was spot on as the Raiders have added the former Bills quarterback to their practice squad. They also signed LB Cayson Collins to the practice squad, he is 23 and was an UDFA for the Miami Dolphins this preseason.

As for Nathan Peterman, he actually won the Bills starting job out of the preseason. That lasted all of one game where he posted a 0.0 QB rating though and was yanked for rookie QB Josh Allen. He did start one more game this year against the Bears, but went 31 of 49 for 188 passes and 3 interceptions. Buffalo eventually released him November 12th.

It’s an odd twist of fate that the Raiders are giving him a shot now considering Gruden’s pre draft praise just a year ago, but also because Oakland traded for A.J. McCarron who is one of the QB’s that Peterman beat out to be the week 1 starter in Buffalo. Oh course, McCarron’s wife Katherine Webb-McCarron having just given birth to their 2nd child might have something to do with the Raiders signing Peterman to the practice squad as well.

Considering the Raiders are just playing for the future anyway, it’s basically a why not move. If it doesn’t work out then big deal, not much worked out this season anyway. It’s also just the practice squad, Peterman was not signed to the active roster.