2022 Raiders free agency: Recapping an exciting Day 1 of the new league year

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 10: Linebacker Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals is introduced before the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 10: Linebacker Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals is introduced before the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
2 of 3
Raiders
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 11: Anthony Averett #23 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after losing to the Miami Dolphins 22-10 at Hard Rock Stadium on November 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Even with the additions of both Chandler Jones and Bilal Nichols, the Las Vegas Raiders still weren’t done reloading.

After bringing in Rock Ya-Sin through the Ngakoue swap, the Raiders decided they weren’t done addressing cornerback. Anthony Averett joined the Silver and Black on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, further solidifying the outside-corner group.

Averett started 14 games for Baltimore last year, recording 3 interceptions and making sure another 11 passes weren’t completed. One of his most notable plays this past season was a pass to Tyreek Hill on third-down, which Averett was all over and made sure didn’t happen.

The former Raven will come in as a rotational outside corner, who’s sure to see plenty of time on the field this upcoming year.

Head coach Josh McDaniels also made it a priority to bring over some friends; Running-back Brandon Bolden, who almost certainly will take the role of the third-down back, and fullback Jakob Johnson.

Last season, Bolden put up 226 yards on the ground, in addition to 405 through the air. He found the end-zone three times altogether and had his moments as a pass-protector.

Jakob Johnson is a guy McDaniels has trusted a lot since he became a Patriot in 2019. His blocking shines, and he’s a threat in the backfield as a receiver. He’s recorded 12 catches in his last two seasons in New England.

Lastly, the Raiders brought in some receiver depth with former Dolphin Mack Hollins. You might remember Hollins; He had a heart-breaking 34-yard catch in the final 15 seconds of regulation against the Raiders in 2020, giving the Miami Dolphins a walk-off win.

Although Hollins only caught 14 passes last season, he was still able to take 4 of them to the house. He isn’t going to be the next best thing, but Hollins should provide good depth on the outside, with the ability to make explosive plays happen.

Schedule