Las Vegas Raiders: Examining the complete list of 2021 free agents

Raiders 2021 free agents: Defense

Derek Carrier, Unrestricted

Derek Carrier is a curious case on the Raiders roster, as he was the fourth tight end on the depth chart and was mostly used for blocking. Also, he played special teams and made a few catches here and there because no one really expected him to.

I think he will be back for the Raiders next season, as Jason Witten retired and I feel he is a good guy in the locker room.

Zay Jones, Unrestricted

Zay Jones was really impressive in the offseason getting a ton of work in with quarterback Derek Carr, yet it didn’t show too much on the field this season. Being that he has a good relationship with both the quarterback and the head coach bodes well for his return next season.

Nick O’Leary, Unrestricted

Nick O’Leary was a strange story in 2020, as he was signed to provide depth at tight end, only to suffer a heart attack and miss the season. He may be back in 2021, as the Raiders have decisions to make at tight end, but hopefully, he is fully recovered from a scary situation.

Theo Riddick, Unrestricted

When Theo Riddick was brought in with the special practice squad rules due to the least normal season of all time there was some intrigue, but seeing how little he was on the field, and how little he contributed when he was on the field he likely won’t be back in 2021.

Sam Young, Unrestricted

Sam Young was brought in to provide backup for right tackle Trent Brown just in case something happened.  Well, a lot of things happened to Trent Brown this season, and while when he was on the field he was one of the best players at his position, the problem was he was available very often.  Unfortunately, Sam Young also spent a ton of time being injured this season, and when he was on the field, he was regularly outperformed by a guard, making his return unlikely.