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Analyzing the Raiders tight end situation entering the 2022 Offseason

By Nicholas Yacenko

Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) with quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) with quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Analyzing the Raiders tight end situation entering the 2022 Offseason

Raiders free agents

Derek Carrier represents the biggest question mark in this room. He is once again a free agent after being cut and brought back before week 1. Carrier missed much of the season with a torn pectoral but surprisingly returned in the final games.

Carrier has never had a premier role in the offense but has always shined as a blocker and special teams ace. He was a favorite for Jon Gruden and RIch Bisaccia but his value is in question with McDaniels. McDaniels could value the veteran presence with a decent skill set but could also look to replace him with a younger, cheaper alternative, such as fellow free agent Nick Bowers.

Bowers has been with the Raiders since 2020 and spent that season on the practice squad before making the initial roster in 2021. Bowers has yet to record a statistic with the team but has flashed in the preseason. Bowers projects as a blocking tight end in the form of Carrier but lacks the same athleticism. Bowers only caught 17 passes in college so that role doesn’t suit him much.

He had an opportunity to shine when Waller and Carrier both went down, but he soon joined them with a neck injury and was supplanted by journeymen Daniel Helm and undrafted rookie Matt Bushman. As an exclusive rights free agent, Bowers will need to make a good impression on McDaniels for the opportunity to fill a role.

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