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

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.