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NFL free agency rumors tracker: Raiders news, trades, updates, reports, signings, draft talk and more

Raiders free agency week is here, and we’ve got your one-stop shop to keep track of the team ahead of the 2020 season

By Bill Williamson Updated
NFL: Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Mark Davis, Jon Gruden
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Here we’re tracking all of the signings and rumors related to the Las Vegas Raiders. We’re also tracking every move the Raiders make in free agency.

Keep checking this space for Raiders-related rumors and roster moves so far ...

April 30

6:13 p.m.: We have Raiders’ draft pick numbers.

2:40 p.m.: The Raiders brought back a familiar name.

12:20 p.m.: A lawsuit by the city of Oakland against the Raiders and the NFL has been dismissed.

12:02 p.m.: New Minnesota receiver Justin Jefferson has a message to the Raiders and the other teams that passed him up the draft.

10:01 a.m.: According to this formula, the Raiders had one of the lowest ranked undrafted free-agent draft classes.

9:02 a.m.: ESPN is connecting potential 2021 rookie quarterbacks and teams that may need one. Yes, the Raiders are on their list.

April 29

4:08 p.m.: Gareon Conley didn’t work great for the Raiders or the Texans.

2:44 p.m.: Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is headed to the Titans. Logan Ryan is still out there. The Raiders could still use a good veteran corner if the price is right.

9:30 a.m.: Raiders’ cornerback Daryl Worley is on his way to Dallas. It was unlikely he was coming back all offseason.

April 27

3:10 p.m.: The Raiders waived running back Mark Thompson. There will probably be a few more players cut in the coming days the Raiders make room for undrafted free agents.

12:30 P.M.: Every Raider player participated in their voluntary virtual offseason program Monday as it kicked off.

11:32 a.m.: The Raiders are starting their virtual offseason program today.

10:30 a.m.: What do you think?

8:45 a.m.: Former Raiders’ second-round pick Obi Melifonwu was cut by New England. What a bust.

April 22

9:02 p.m.: Here’s a report that says the Raiders are trying to trade for Jacksonville pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, offering a first-round pick.

10:48 a.m.: There has been some talk this week about Jerry Jeudy’s knees, but the NFL Network reports he’s all clear. I think it’s just typical pre-draft horse poo. He’d be a great fit for the Raiders.

8:01 a.m.: ESPN has a list of the best free agents out there. I still like Logan Ryan fit for the Raiders.

April 21

9:45 a.m.: The Raiders have the most players under contract in the NFL.

April 20

1:32 p.m.: High praise for LSU receiver Justin Jefferson, who could be Raiders’ target.

12:08 P.M.: The Jaguars have cut receiver Marqise Lee. He has had health issues. But perhaps the Raiders will have some interest. But, of course, that won’t change any draft plans at the position.

10:28 A.M.: This mock has the Raiders getting a cornerback at No. 12 and a … quarterback at No. 19.

April 18

12:52 p.m.: The Jets are discussing signing cornerback Logan Ryan. He would fit the Raiders well.

11:51 a.m.: It says here C.J. Henderson may be the top cornerback on some team’s boards.

April 17

2:15 p.m.: The Raiders re-signed reserve lineman lineman Jeremiah Valoaga

1:37 p.m.: You can’t say the Raiders aren’t investing into their

11:27 a.m.: Here’s some valuable context on two cornerbacks the Raiders may consider at No. 19.

10:40 a.m.: This is a very interesting thought on why the Raiders are among the teams that want to trade down. The question is: are there enough teams that want to trade up?

April 16

2:50 p.m.: The Raiders made some transactions Thursday. Here’s the breakdown.

2:13 p.m.: Utah running back Zack Moss is getting interest around the league. He could fit the Raiders.

10:58 a.m.: Patrick Mahomes played a role in running back DeAndre Washington leading the Raiders and joining the Chiefs in free agency. The two were college teammates at Texas Tech.

April 15

11:59 a.m.: Demaryius Thomas is looking for a job if the Raiders want a veteran receiver. Let’s see what happens after the draft before talking about veteran additions at receiver for Las Vegas.

11:33 a.m.: ESPN is pushing Utah State quarterback Jordan Love to the Raiders. Matt Bowen says Jon Gruden is the perfect fit for Love and Mel Kiper has the Raiders taking Love at No. 19 in his latest mock.

10:45 a.m.: Adam Caplan says the Raiders want a speed receiver more than anything.

9:30 a.m.: Here is a push for the Raiders to take Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson and not a receiver at No. 19.

8:10 a.m.: Could Mike Mayock find the next Maxx Crosby this year?

April 14

8:12 a.m.: Speaking of the Sooners, Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has been connected to the Raiders often, is also getting interest from the Chargers and the Packers. He may not last past the top 50 picks. The Raiders currently don’t have a second-round pick.

7:30 a.m.: This Microsoft mock has the Raiders doing a double Boomer Sooner in the first round.

April 13

2:37 p.m.: Raiders’ linebacker Nicholas Morrow signed his RFA tender. He’s all set for 2020.

10:40 a.m.: There’s some interesting Raiders’ stadium contingency plans in here.

8:02 a.m.: Free-agent safety Tony Jefferson is getting healthy. Perhaps he could be a late Raiders’ target.

April 12

11:55 a.m.: Mel Kiper thinks the cornerback board will be all over the place by the time the Raiders pick at No. 19.

April 10 (Happy 84th birthday, coach John Madden)

12:45 p.m.: These Raiders rookies are something else. Great job, fellas.

10:30 a.m.: The Raiders were one of the teams that had to cancel a pre-draft visit with Oklahoma stud linebacker Kenneth Murray. There is still a chance the Raiders could draft him at No. 19 even though cornerback is a bigger need.

April 9

1:30 p.m.: The Raiders are one of the teams talking to Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madabuike. He could be an option in the second or third round.

1:03 p.m.: Raiders’ second-year defensive end Clelin Ferrell gave $100,000 to the coronavirus relief effort. Another Raider doing great work in this crucial time for us all … Kudos, sir.

9:58 a.m.: The Chiefs are keeping cornerback Bashaud Breeland. Thus, another vet corner is off the market. Raiders’ dream guy Logan Ryan remains, though.

9:20 a.m.: LSU safety Grant Delpit put together nice numbers at his own pro day. I like him as a Raiders’ pick at No. 19

April 8

3:25 p.m.: Raiders running back DeAndre Washington has left the team, but is staying in the AFC West. He is signing with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

10:30 a.m.: The Raiders are doing their best to accommodate season-ticket holders during this terrible time.

April 7

3:02 p.m.: Here’s some buzzkill on Randall. He’s a decent player, but there is a reason why any free agent lasts a couple of weeks on the market. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders aren’t done adding safety this offseason, starting with the draft, of course.

2:17 p.m.: The Raiders have announced the signing of defensive back Damarious Randall. All 12 of their out-of-house free-agent additions are now officially signed. The Raiders have an estimated $10 million in salary-cap room with about $9 million set for the rookie pool. So, the Raiders may need to adjust some deals if they want to add more free agents. The dream, of course, would be cornerback Logan Ryan, but that won’t be easy.

April 6

6:01 p.m.: Some Raiders’ players are going a great job in their communities in the coronavirus relief effort. Great work, gents.

2:08 p.m.: The Raiders have one remaining free-agent contract to make official.

April 3

10:50 a.m.: The Raiders are pledging $1 million to the coronavirus fight. Right on, guys.

8:30 a.m.: The money is on Damarious Randall’s deal and it’s not bad.

7:20 a.m.: The Chiefs are keeping the band back together on offense. Yeah, that’s no good.

April 2

4:01 p.m.: The Raiders and Eli Apple are not going to finalize a deal after all. Raiders have $6 more million to spend and still help at cornerback.

12:30 p.m.: The Jaguars are reportedly looking for a first-round pick and more for pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue. It has been speculated he will command first and second-round picks. He would fit the Raiders.

12:01 p.m.: ESPN personnel man Louis Riddick, who is as sharp as they come, is a big fan of Michigan LB Josh Uche. The Raiders have talked to Uche.

10:15 a.m.: The Raiders are bringing back guard Jordan Devey. He was hurt for most of the season. He will compete for a backup role again and perhaps a starting job if Gabe Jackson is traded or released.

April 1 (a non-April Fools’ Day zone)

6:30 p.m.: Former Raiders’ pass-rusher Aldon Smith is back in the NFL after almost five years. The oft-troubled Smith signed with the Cowboys.

4:28 p.m.: The Seahawks have signed Raiders free-agent pass-rusher Benson Mayowa. He wasn’t a priority for the Raiders.

12:59 p.m: This might be good news for the Raiders. The Jets have the No. 11 pick, right before the Raiders. There has been some concern the Jets may take a receiver before the Raiders. But, if the Jets do take an offensive lineman, the Raiders would have their choice of a great receiver class.

9:30 a.m.: The Raiders are FaceTiming with Utah State quarterback Jordan Love before the draft. They did the same with Oregon’s Justin Herbert.

7:30 a.m.: Raiders’ center Rodney Hudson restructured his deal to open some money up for the Raiders. They have about $5 million left, which will mostly go to the draft. But the Raiders could still pick at the leftovers on the free-agent market.

March 31

3:10 p.m.: The Vikings are talking to safety Anthony Harris about a long-term deal. The franchise-tagged Harris would be ideal for the Raiders and there has been rumors he was on the trade block. But this report suggests he may stay in Minnesota.

1:15 p.m.: A noted draft expert thinks there is a drop off after the first 16 players in the draft. That’s good news for the Raiders at No. 12 and bad news for them at No. 19.

9:05 a.m.: Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick was cut by the Bengals. The Raiders have a need there and he played for Las Vegas defensive coordinator Paul Guenther in Cincinnati.

8:45 a.m.: ESPN reports teams can back out on agreed deals that are not signed. Jerry Mac has the list of the Raiders’ players in that boat.

7:30 a.m.: The Jaguars are still making standout pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue in a trade. He’d be pricey, both in contract and trade compensation terms.

March 30

2:01 p.m.: The Raiders announced the Maliek Collins and Eric Kush deals.

12:25 p.m.: Raiders’ left tackle Kolton Miller was one of 23 players to play every one of his team’s offensive snaps in 2019.

9:45 a.m.: Yes, the Raiders are running out of salary-cap room after their free-agent frenzy.

9:10 a.m.: The Raiders are one of the teams talking to Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert prior to the draft.

7:04 a.m.: The Raiders are mentioned as a possible landing spot for receiver Brandin Cooks in a trade.

March 29

2:40 p.m.: NFL teams can talk to prospects on the phone leading up to the April 23-25 draft. So, the Raiders can communicate with potential picks.

12:02 p.m.: The below stat pours water on the narrative that the Chiefs took a big hit this offseason.

11:15 a.m.: Another cornerback is off the board. Ronald Darby of the Eagles signed with Washington. The Raiders don’t have much cap room and are likely focused on the draft at that position.

10:20. a.m: New Raider Marcus Mariota is doing great work in his home state of Hawaii. By all accounts, it seems like the Raiders just signed a great dude.

March 28

12:02 p.m.: Another receiver is off the free-agent market and stays in the AFC West.

March 27

245: p.m.: The Raiders signed, exclusive rights free agent, long snapper Trent Sieg. It was just a formality.

12:15 p.m.: Here’s a draft connection to Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb. Why is this important? The author of this tweet and is close to Mike Mayock. He knows what Mayock likes.

March 26

6:28 p.m.: The Raiders signed their 12th free agent Thursday. They inked former Dallas defensive lineman Daniel Ross. He played for new Raiders’ defensive line coach Rod

Cornerback Darqueze Dennard’s deal is off with the Jaguars. He’s back on the market. He played for Paul Guenther in Cincinnati and the Raiders need a cornerback. So, a reunion could be possible.

1:40 p.m.: Xavier Rhodes, one of the top cornerbacks still available, is off the board. Don’t expect the Raiders to spend much more on the position. But it may very well be a target position early in the draft.

March 25

2:54 p.m.: The Raiders have announced several contracts, including re-signing linebacker Kyle Wilbur.

12:01 p.m.: The Nelson Agholor contract didn’t help the wide receiver free-agent market.

11:01 a.m.: Defensive back Jimmie Ward had more money on table from Raiders, but decided to go back the 49ers last week.

March 24

6:30 p.m.: Marcus Mariota says all the right things in this interview. He isn’t rocking Derek Carr’s boat, but, of course, his goal is to play. Mariota is known for being a team guy and I expect him to be that way with the Raiders.

1:58 p.m.: Bengals linebacker Nick Vigil signed with the Chargers. He was reportedly a Raiders’ target partly because he played for Las Vegas defensive coordinator Paul Guenther in Cincinnati. But the Raiders went for bigger fish at linebacker in the form of Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski.

1:50 p.m.: Here’s water to pour on those Newton’s rumors. I wouldn’t think the Raiders would male this move, but I never say never. But it would be a surprise.

12:50 p.m.: The best free-agent receiver, Robby Anderson, has a new home in Carolina. The Raiders were often connected to him. But they weren’t going to give him this type of a deal and I think that was the right call. Anderson is fine, but not a real game changer.

12:15. p.m.: Cam Newton is being connected the Raiders by some folks. But what he’s a quarterback, so what is new?

9:15 a.m.: Cam Newton is free. Will he end up in the AFC West with the Chargers?

March 23

4:15 p.m.: A quarterback who tried out for the Raiders last year has landed in Kansas City after starring in the XFL. Don’t worry, it’s probably not that big of a deal.

2:02 p.m.: Nelson Agholor is not getting paid too much. He’ll be a backup and perhaps a return man.

1:55 p.m.: Here are the much-awaited Marcus Mariota contract numbers.

11:20 a.m.: A Jerry Mac cap room update that further drives home the point that the Raiders’ are running out of cap space.

10:42 am.: Jerry Mac has some interesting Raiders’ salary-cap figures. Once the remaining contracts come in and counting the room needed to fit in the draft picks, the Raiders will have very little left to spend in free agency. Getting down to the scraps after 11 new signings and one re-signing.

8:54 a.m.: Jason Witten and Eli Apple will surely be on the 53-man roster this year. Both deals are guaranteed. Apple signed a one-year deal with the Raiders and he’s getting paid pretty nicely. He’ll either be a No. 2 or No. 3 (more likely) corner in Las Vegas.

8:20 a.m.: Former Raiders’ linebacker Tahir Whitehead signed with Carolina. Don’t start thinking about 2021 comp picks, though. Whitehead was released, so he is not part of that formula. But good luck in Carolina, sir.

March 22

10:58 a.m.: Maliek Collins’ contract numbers are in and, surprisingly, it’s just a one-year deal. He will get a chance to impress the Raiders as a starter, though, and be a candidate to get a long-term deal.

March 21

2:02 p.m.: The Raiders signed their fourth player of the day, tight end Nick O’Leary. Yes, they now have five tight ends. This one is the grand kid of golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. Five, not fore.

11:50 a.m.: The Raiders are booming. They signed Dallas backup running back Rod Smith. That’s three offensive players this morning. All are backups. 11 free agents in total. Who says NFL Saturdays are boring?

11:45 a.m.: The Raiders signed a receiver. It’s former Eagles’ first-rounder Nelson Agholor. He’s struggled catching the ball at times. It’s penny-pinching time.

10:13 a.m.: Backup guard Eric Kush announced he has signed with the Raiders. He is their ninth free-agent signing. He provides needed interior line depth.

March 20

7:30 p.m.: Emmanuel Sanders won’t be a Raider. He signed with the Saints.

2:47 p.m.: A former Raiders’ defensive back is back in the AFC West

11:57 a.m.: Here are the Karl Joseph numbers with the Browns. It’s clear the Raiders didn’t really want him back.

11:36 a.m.: There’s decent pass-rushers still available. But the Raiders don’t have much money left and like Carl Nassib.

10:52 a.m.: An interesting pass-rusher is not going back to Minnesota.

10:42 a.m.: Melvin Gordon is staying the AFC West. Denver is trying to help Drew Lock with a better running game and better defense.

9:02 a.m.: The Raiders thought about a Tom Brady run, but never made it. Sounds about right.

8:54 a.m.: The Raiders are still going play the free-agent game, but the big-money has already been spent. We’re in full depth mode now, folks.

March 19

4:27 p.m.: Here’s a Robby Anderson update. If the Raiders don’t sign him, it’s no biggie, in my mind.

2:18 p.m.: The Rams cut linebacker Clay Matthews. Jon Gruden loves veterans and the Raiders need another linebacker. So, don’t discount a Raiders’ run but I think he’s close to being done.

10:20 p.m.: Cornerback Logan Ryan might present an opportunity the Raiders can consider.

8:56 a.m.: Another receiver is available in a trade. Should the Raiders think about Brandin Cooks?

8:37 a.m.: Here’s what the Raiders are planning to do while players are staying away from the facility because of the coronavirus crisis.

8:35 a.m.: The Raiders didn’t get cornerback Darius Slay. The Eagles did.

March 18

9:08 p.m.: The Raiders, at least, have competition for Slay. ESPN reports the Eagles are working on a contract for Slay as part of a possible trade.

8:15 p.m.: Darius Slay trade talk is heating up with Gabe Jackson as possible trade bait.

7:34 p.m.: This report says don’t assume Eli Apple will be a starter. I completely agree.

5:15 p.m.: Karl Joseph is the first Raiders’ free agent to leave. He’s going to Cleveland.

2:17 p.m.: Some thoughts from me:

2:11 p.m.: More on Harris’ decision:

1:59 p.m.: Correcting other reports, this says the Raiders put a second-round tender on linebacker Nic Morrow. Don’t expect hm to leave as an RFA.

1:49 p.m.: Here’s some insight on how the Raiders are structuring their contracts:

1:24 p.m.: OK, then.

1:05 p.m.: Chargers continue big day and snag Raiders’ target Chris Harris. Stays in AFC West, but with wrong team.

1:00 p.m.: No deals are official yet and here is why:

12:43 p.m.: The Raiders had an offer out to Chris Harris, but the Apple deal probably ends that talk.

12:30 p.m.: Eli Apple is the newest Raider.

11:54 p.m.: Former Raiders’ receiver Seth Roberts is on his way to Carolina.

11:06 p.m.: The Chargers are not going to add a veteran quarterback. That likely means Tua, Hebert or Love in the first round.

9:40 p.m.: Forget the Malcolm Jenkins’ thought. He’s going back to New Orleans.

8:53 p.m.: In AFC West news, the Broncos traded for Titans’ excellent defensive tackle Jurrell Casey.

8:46 p.m.: Jadeveon Clowney’s market isn’t developing as expected. Could the Raiders swoop in? Probably not after giving Carl Nassib a relatively hefty deal, but I never say never.

8:40 p.m.: Could the Eagles replace Malcolm Jenkins with Karl Joseph? And speaking of Jenkins, perhaps he could be a veteran fit for the Raiders’ secondary.

March 17

6:15 p.m.: Carl Nassib gets a big, big deal. Might be a bit of an overpay, but if he can bring the heat, who cares?

3:52 p.m.: A free-agency breakdown:

3:27 p.m.: The seventh new Raider and the fifth new guy today is backup defensive end Carl Nassib.

3:09 p.m.: Here is another indication Tom Brady is heading to the Bucs. Good, let’s get it over with.

2:55 p.m.: Here is a cornerback, who is a surprise free agent and who could help the Raiders.

2:18 p.m.: The Raiders added another Cowboy, safety Jeff Heath.

2:05 p.m.: Jon Gruden is fired up about adding Jason Witten

1:40 p.m.: Jason Witten is getting a decent salary, too.

1:11 p.m.: Maliek Collins is a Raider. The defensive tackle played for Rod Marinelli in Dallas.

12:59 p.m.: In a stunning move, the are signing tight end Jason Witten. Gruden love veterans.

12:56 p.m.: Philip Rivers is a Colt. We never bought the Raiders’ interest in him, anyway. See you, Phil.

12:36 p.m.: Here’s a report out of Boston saying Tom Brady to Tampa Bay is done. We’ll see.

11:09 a.m.: Here is everything you need to now about free agency rules.

9:30 a.m.: The Raiders agreed to terms with Rams’ linebacker Cory Littleton. Second starting linebacker signed. Expected to play weakside.

9:16 a.m.: The Bears cut former first-round pick, pass-rusher Leonard Floyd. He could be an affordable option for the Raiders.

9:13 am.: The Bears have agreed to terms with pass-rusher Robert Quinn to a huge deal. He was connected to the Raiders because of his past with new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. It won’t happen. And, oh, the pass-rusher market just blew up.

8:58 a.m.: Here is an update on the Raiders’ defensive needs.

7:57 a.m.: Cam Newton is going to be traded by Carolina. The Raiders have been rumored to have interest.

7:50 a.m.: The Raiders have given backup tackle David Sharpe a fourth-round tender in restricted free agency. He will likely stick around.

7:48 a.m.: Tom Brady is hitting the open market. Oh boy. The Raiders haven’t been heavily connected with Brady lately, but the talk isn’t dead yet.

7:47 a.m.: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld is back with the Eagles. He was rumored to be a target of the Raiders. But the Marcus Mariota agreement probably ended that.

7:45 a.m.: The Raiders were in on safety Jimmie Ward before he returned to the 49ers.

March 16

7:56 p.m.: The Cowboys had to keep Amari Copper and they did.

7:41 p.m.: Stefon Diggs will not be a Raider. And at that price, that’s a good thing.

6:40 p.m.: The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Mariota has agreed to terms with the Raiders. This one has made sense for a while. Probably means Derek Carr is staying.

6:15 p.m.: The NFL Network reports the Raiders are working to finalize a deal for Marcus Mariota, who would be the Raiders’ backup who could potentially compete for the No. 1 job.

4:53p.m.: There will be no free-agent visits and the OTA schedule will be delayed because of concerns over the coronavirus crisis. The Raiders were set to start their OTA sessions April 20. It runs through a mid-June minicamp. So, the OTAs will be shortened.

4:17 p.m.: Here is an update on who the Raiders can turn to at cornerback. Harris is top guy.

4:06 p.m.: The Dolphins came out of nowhere and agreed to terms with Byron Jones. The Raiders were in it. Now onto Chris Harris?

4:04 p.m.: The Raiders gave linebacker his original round RFA tender. He was not drafted. The Raiders can match a deal, but won’t get any picks if another team signs Morrow. He could see him maybe getting some interest.

3:25 p.m.: The Raiders are reportedly a finalist for Dallas big-dollar cornebrakc Byron Jones.

3:22 p.m.: The Raiders put the fifth-round tender on quarterback Nathan Peterman, who is a restricted free agent. It would be surprising if he gets interest in the RFA market.

3:00 p.m.: An update on Cory Littleton and the Raiders’ approach to free agency.

2:45 p.m.: The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Nick Kwiatkowski will be the middle linebacker for the Raiders, which makes sense.

1:45 p.m.: The Athletic reports the Raiders are not out of the Tom Brady sweepstakes, but Tampa Bay has a better chance of landing him.

1:36 p.m.: The NFL Network has Kwiatkowski’s contract terms.

11:00 a.m.: The NFL Network reported the Raiders have agreed to terms with starting linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.

10:46 a.m.: The Bears are interested in Raiders’ safety Karl Joseph.

9:35 a.m.: The Raiders are interested in Rams’ linebacker Cory Littleton.

9:19 a.m. ESPN reports the Raiders have interest in Denver cornerbackChris Harris.

9:16 a.m.: ESPN reports the Raiders are interested in Dallas cornerback Byron Jones.

9:04 a.m.: ESPN reports the Raiders are in play for safety Damarious Randall.

8:57 a.m.: Christian Kirskey, who had visited the Raiders, signs with Green Bay

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