Raiders claim tight end Paul Butler off waivers

After being one of the busiest teams in free agency, the Raiders have been quietly hunkered down lately in preparation for next week’s NFL draft.

On Thursday, however, the Raiders got busy with some transactions, including reuniting with a former player.

Las Vegas claimed tight end Paul Butler off waivers from Detroit. He was signed by the Lions to a future contract three months ago after being cut by the Raiders last September. Butler was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and spent time on the Raiders’ practice squad.

He is the fifth tight end on the Raiders’ current roster, joining Jason Witten and Nick O’Leary was additions this offseason. Most teams keep three tight ends, so Butler’s odds are stacked against him.

Meanwhile, quarterback Nathan Peterman and tackle David Sharpe signed their restricted free agent tenders. Also, exclusive right free agents — kicker Daniel Carlson, safety Dallin Leavitt and cornerback D.J Killings — all signed their tenders as well. All of those moves were procedural and expected.