How have the new additions fared?
Lets’ look at the Las Vegas Raiders additions this who were signed in unrestricted free agency prior to the season and who made 53-man roster to start the season:
Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle: B+
Wilkins was the headliner of the group. Wilkins, who signed a massive, four-year $110 million deal with the Raiders in the early hours of free agency, was playing very well before he suffered a foot injury in Week 5. His season may be over. That’s a bummer, but he will be a good player for the Raiders moving forward,
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Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Alexander Mattison. running back: C+
Mattison has had his moments, but the Raiders’ ground game has been so poor, he can’t get a great grade. But he did supplant Week 1 starter Zamir White in the lineup. Mattison signed a one-year deal. He may be wroth bringing even if it’s as a role player in 2025.
Harrison Bryant, tight end: C
Bryant is a steady, role player who is a hard worker even though he doesn’t stand out much.
Andrus Peat, tackle: C
The backup lineman has played at times and hasn’t been great, But he is what he is at this point.
Cody Whitehair, guard: D
He started three games and was pretty lackluster. He is a decent player to have in a backup role.
Gardner Minshew, quarterback: F
If you have paid any attention to the Raiders this season, you know Minshew has been a disaster this season. He leads the NFL in turnovers and he has been replaced three times. It couldn’t have gone worse for the Raiders after signing Minshew to a two-year deal.
Conclusion:
It’s difficult to say this class has been productive, especially after Wilkins’ injury. Frankly, first-year Raiders’ general manager Tom Telesco was very conservative in free agency after signing Wilkins and Minshew on the first day. The lack of moves has shown on the roster of the 2-7 team.
