Las Vegas Raiders: Grading 2021 week 2 offensive free agent additions

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Derek Carrier #85 of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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Derek Carrier and Derek Carr. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Grading 2021 week 2 offensive free agent additions

Derek Carrier – Tight End, Las Vegas Raiders

Derek Carrier’s unlikely NFL journey started in tiny Beloit College in Wisconsin where he starred on the football, basketball, and track teams for the Buccaneers. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the then Oakland Raiders in 2012 but never featured in a regular-season game.

After bouncing around the NFL with the Eagles, 49ers, Washington, and Rams, Carrier made his way back to Oakland and signed a three-year deal. He has been a versatile receiver and tight end throughout his career but was relegated almost exclusively to special teams in 2020 as the fourth tight end on the roster.

Now that Jason Witten has retired, Carrier is back to being the third tight end and we can expect to see him on the field on offense quite a bit more. He is a big target for Derek Carr at 6’3″,240lbs, and can be counted on to make some plays here and there. Carrier is not a lock to make the team but Gruden seems to love him and that might be enough to keep him around come Week 1.

Grade: C+

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