15 worst free agent signings in Las Vegas Raiders history
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders have made some big mistakes in free agency, and here, we look at the top-15 worst signings in team history.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, free agency has not been kind in recent memory. In fact, free agency has been a rough go for the organization throughout its entire history, as they have made some big-time moves, but also some that have left the fan base scratching their heads.
The inaugural free agency period was 30 years ago, as the 1993 offseason was the first of its kind. Here, we look at the 15 worst free agent signings the Raiders have made.
15 worst free agent signings in Las Vegas Raiders history
No. 15: Nick Kwiatkoski, Linebacker (3yr-$21M)
Going into the 2020 NFL season, the Raiders had some serious issues on the defensive side of the ball, looking to bolster all three levels of the defense. In March of that offseason, the team signed linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski to a three-year deal worth $21 million, expecting him to be a key piece on a revamped defense.
However, less than two years after signing the deal, Kwiatkoski was released by the Silver and Black, ending a subpar, and injury-riddled tenure with the organization. All told, Kwiatkoski made only 12 starts for the Raiders in 20 appearances, and while he played well in 2020, racking up 81 tackles, this was a contract the team should have avoided.