ALAMEDA (AP) — The Oakland Raiders have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent tight end Derek Carrier.
A person familiar with the deal says the sides agreed on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because signings can’t become official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday. NFL Network first reported the deal.
Carrier originally signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2012 but didn’t make the team. He has played 50 career games over five seasons with San Francisco, Washington and the Rams. Carrier played for Raiders coach Jon Gruden’s brother, Jay, in Washington and his protege, Sean McVay, with the Rams.
Carrier has 36 catches for 327 yards and one TD in his career. He caught eight passes for 71 yards last season.
The Raiders have several major holes they will look to fill in free agency starting this week as they try to rebound from a disappointing six-win season that led to the firing of coach Jack Del Rio and the move to bring Gruden back for a second stint as coach.
The most glaring spots for the Raiders are on defense, where Oakland will be seeking a starting cornerback to pair with last year’s first-round pick Gareon Conley. They must also decide whether to bring back middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman as a free agent or find a replacement elsewhere, and they need to upgrade the pass rush, especially at defensive tackle.
The Raiders also will likely be in the market for a receiver, a possible replacement for released former starting right tackle Marshall Newhouse, and a running back if they decide not to bring Marshawn Lynch back for a second season.