Unofficial listing of 2015 Raiders personnel developments:
Safety Nate Allen placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury and cornerback SaQwan Edwards signed off Oakland's practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 30, 2015. Allen, 28, reportedly tore his MCL in the season opener against Cincinnatti on Sept. 13 and missed the next seven games. The six-year veteran returned Nov. 15 against Minnesota but reportedly aggravated the same knee against Kansas City on Dec. 6. The former Philadelphia Eagle played in five games this season and contributed 11 total tackles, an interception and two passes defensed. Allen reportedly earned $7 million this season after signing a four-year, $23 million deal with Oakland in March.
Defensive back Dewey McDonald signed off the Oakland practice squad and defensive back Chris Hackett signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 29, 2015.
Guard Cole Manhart signed to the Oakland practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 28, 2015.
Fullback Marcel Reece suspended four games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the NFL announced Dec. 28, 2015. Reece, 30,
will miss the season finale against Kansas City on Jan. 3 and the first three games in 2016. The six-year veteran is also ineligible for the Pro Bowl next month. Reece has 30 catches for 369 yards and three TDs in 15 games this season.
The Raiders promoted linebacker John Lotulelei from the practice squad to take Edwards’ spot on the 53-man roster.
Defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. placed on injured reserve because of a neck injury, the Raiders announced Dec. 23, 2015. Edwards, 21, played just three snaps against Green Bay on Dec. 20 before leaving with the injury.
Coach Jack Del Rio described Edwards' injury as “significant” when talking with reporters Dec. 23.
Edwards, a 2015 second-round draft pick from Florida State, contributed 2.5 sacks and 33 solo tackles in 14 games with 10 starts before being sidelined.
“I’ve had an incredible career,” Woodson told reporters Dec. 21. “It goes beyond words. I never intended on playing as long as I have, but this is the way it’s happened and I’m so grateful for it.”
During his NFL career, Woodson was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998, AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, made eight Pro Bowl teams, was a three-time All-Pro (1999, 2009, 2011) and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010.
Woodson is the the only player in NFL history with 50 plus interceptions and 20 plus sacks in his career.
The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner from Michigan spent 11 of his 18 NFL seasons with the Raiders, including the past three seasons in his second stint in Oakland, and the other seven with the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders safety Charles Woodson will retire at the end of the 2015 season, Woodson announced Dec. 21. Woodson, 39, is considered among the top defensive backs in NFL history.
Now in his 18th NFL season, Woodson, right, is tied for fifth on the all-time list with 65 interceptions and is tied for first with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper with 13 defensive touchdowns. He has five interceptions and three fumble recoveries this season, ranking second in the NFL with eight takeaways.
Starting right tackle Austin Howard placed on injured reserve and safety Tevin McDonald signed off the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 19, 2015. Howard, 28, started the season's first 13 games before sustaining a knee injury against Denver on Dec. 13.
Linebacker Josh Shirley signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 17, 2015. Shirley, 23, contributed two tackles in five games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season before getting waived Dec. 15.
Gafford, 32, has played in 116 NFL games over eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. from 2008 to 2014, and this season with the Chicago Bears before being released on Nov. 28.
Long snapper Thomas Gafford signed to replace the injured Jon Condo, the Raiders announced Dec. 15, 2015. Condo, 34, dislocated his right shoulder while recovering a muffed punt early in the fourth quarter of Oakland's 15-12 victory at Denver on Dec. 13. The nine-year veteran has played in 141 straight games.
Wide receiver Larry Pinkard signed to the Oakland practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 15, 2015.
Defensive tackle Leon Orr signed off Oakland's practice squad and linebacker Neiron Ball placed on Reserve/Injured list, the Raiders announced Dec. 12, 2015.
Orr, 23, was waived by Oakland at the end of training camp before being signed to the practice squad. He started 10 of 39 games in four seasons at Florida.
Ball, 23, started two of six games this season and contributed a sack, a fumble recovery and nine total tackles before being sidelined with a knee injury.
Crabtree, 28, signed a one-year deal reportedly worth $3.2 million after not getting a long-term contract before the 2015 season. The seven-year veteran is on pace to set career highs in catches, receiving yards and TDs. Crabtree has 66 catches for 760 yards and seven TDs though 12 games this season. The former Texas Tech star has scored touchdowns in six of the past seven games.
He has at least four catches in every game this season. His 14-game streak with at least four catches dating to last season is the fifth longest active streak in the league.
Wide receiver Michael Crabtree, right, agrees to a four-year contract extension with the Raiders, according to published reports Dec. 9, 2015. The deal reportedly is worth $35 million, with $19 million guaranteed.
Fullback Jamize Olawale signs a three-year contract extension, the Raiders announced Dec. 8, 2015. Olawale, 26, has 110 rushing yards on 24 carries — second on the team behind Latavius Murray, who leads the AFC with 851 rushing yards.
Defensive back Dewey McDonald signed to the Oakland practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 2, 2015.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter released from the Oakland practice squad and linebacker Colton Underwood signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Dec. 1, 2015.
Guard Adam Gettis signed by the New York Giants off the Raiders practice squad, the Giants announced Dec. 1, 2015.
Wide receiver/kick returner Jeremy Ross signed off the Oakland practice squad and linebacker John Lotulelei signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Nov. 25, 2015.
Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong waived, the Raiders announced Nov. 24, 2015. He played in 10 games this season, contributing a sack, fumble recovery and 18 solo tackles. Armstrong, 24, played in 41 games with five starts for Oakland the past two-plus seasons.
Defensive end Shelby Harris signed off the practice squad and wide receiver Jeremy Ross signed to the practice squad, the Raiders announced Nov. 19, 2015.
Smith, 26, was signed by the Raiders to a one-year contract two days before the regular season started. He played in nine games with seven starts and finished his second straight suspension-shortened season with 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The former Missouri star missed the first nine games of the 2014 season while serving an NFL suspension for violations of the league’s substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies.
The NFL announced Smith's suspension hours after the news was reported on the Internet.
Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith reportedly suspended Nov. 17, 2015, by the NFL for one calendar because of violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy. His suspension reportedly is a result of an Aug. 6 incident when he was arrested for hit-and-run and DUI. He was released by the 49ers the following day after his latest arrest.
The Associated Press &
The Oakland Tribune
Allen signed a $23 million, four-year contract with Oakland after spending his first five seasons in Philadelphia. He had missed just six games in his career prior to being sidelined with the Raiders.
Running back George Atkinson III and guard Adam Gettis signed to the practice squad and running back Rajion Neal released from the practice squad, the Raiders announced Nov. 17, 2015.
Safety Nate Allen activated from the Injured Reserve/Designated for Return list, the Raiders announced Nov. 14, 2015. Allen, 27, has not played since injuring the MCL in his right knee during Oakland’s season opener against Cincinnati on Sept. 13. He spent the past two weeks practicing with the team but had not been cleared to play.
Safety Tevin McDonald signed to the practice squad and
wide receiver/kick returner Marcus Thigpen waived, the Raiders announced Nov. 14, 2015.
Tight end Gabe Holmes signed off Oakland's practice squad, the Raiders announced Nov. 13, 2015. Holmes, 24, had 65 catches for 685 yards and six touchdowns in 49 career games at Purdue.
Safety Tevin McDonald waived, the Raiders announced Nov. 12, 2015.
Defensive lineman C.J. Wilson released and safety Tevin McDonald signed, the Raiders announced Nov. 7, 2015.
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver/kick returner Marcus Thigpen signed, the Raiders announced Nov. 4, 2015. Thigpen, 29, averaged 5.2 yards on nine punt returns in four games with Buffalo this season before being released Oct. 7, 2015. He has averaged 24.3 yards on 92 kick returns with Miami and Buffalo during his three-plus NFL seasons.
Linebacker Korey Toomer and safety Tevin McDonald signed to the Oakland practice squad, the Raiders announced Oct. 28, 2015. Oakland placed safety Keenan Lambert on the practice squad/injured list.
Safety Tevin McDonald waived and defensive end Shelby Harris signed off the practice squad, the Raiders announced Oct. 24, 2015.
Defensive end Justin Tuck placed on Reserve/Injured and safety Taylor Mays re-signed, the Raiders announced Oct. 20, 2015. Tuck, 32, reportedly tore his pectoral muscle while trying to tackle running back C.J. Anderson early in the fourth quarter of Oakland's 16-10 loss to Denver on Oct. 11.
Return specialist Walt Powell signed off the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, the Raiders announced Oct. 18, 2015. Powell, 23, played four games for the New YorJets during the 2014 seasons, returning eight kicks for 233 yards and 12 punts for 48 yards. He was cut before the 2015 season and signed with Buffalo's pracice squad.
Safety Keenan Lambert signed to the pracice squad, the Raiders announced Oct. 17, 2015.
Oakland also announced the signing of former Packers running back Rajion Neal to its practice squad and waived running back George Atkinson III.
Safety Keenan Lambert waived, the Raiders announced Oct. 15, 2015.
Safety Taylor Mays released and safety Tevin McDonald signed off Oakland's practice squad, the Raiders announced Oct. 10, 2015.
Cornerback Chimdi Cheka released and offensive tackle Anthony Morris waived, the Raiders announced Sept. 28, 2015. Both players were on injured reserve. Morris was a 2015 seventh-round draft pick out of Tennessee State.
Safety Tevin McDonald re-signed to the Raiders practice squad, the team announced Sept. 24, 2015.
Former Washington Redskins cornerback David Amerson claimed off waivers, the Raiders announced Sept. 22, 2015. Amerson, 23, was selected by the Redskins in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played in 33 games for the Redskins with 23 starts and contributed 94 solo tackles with two interceptions. The Raiders waived safety Tevin McDonald to make room for Amerson.
Allen, 27, reportedly will miss at least six weeks with a knee injury. The six-year veteran is eligible to practice Oct. 27 and can return against Jacksonville on Nov. 15.
Mayes, 27, has played 66 career games with 10 starts since being drafted in the second round by the 49ers in 2010. He spent time with Minnesota and Detroit during the offseason before joining the Raiders late in training camp. He played in two exhibition games before being cut Sept. 5.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter signed to the Oakland pracice squad and linebacker Josh Shirley released off the practice squad, the Raiders announced Sept.16, 2015.
Safety Nate Allen placed on injured reserve with a designation to return and tight end Gabe Holmes waived, the Raiders announced Sept. 15, 2015. The team also re-signed safety Taylor Mayes and defensive lineman C.J. Wilson.
Wide receiver Brice Butler traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a conditional fifth-round pick in next year's draft, according to published reports Sept. 15, 2015. Butler, 25, caught 30 passes for 383 yards and two TDs during the past two seasons with Oakland.
Safety Brandian Ross released, the Raiders announced Sept. 14, 2015. Ross, 25, was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Sept. 5. He contrubuted two interceptions and 55 total tackles in 14 games during the 2014 season.
He reportedly will make his Raiders debut on Sunday, Sept. 13, when Oakland opens its 2015 season against visiting Cincinnati.
The 49ers released Smith on Aug. 7, a day after his fifth arrest since being drafted by the team in 2011. He reportedly was arrested in Santa Clara on charges of drunken driving, hit and run and vandalism.
The Santa Clara District Attorney’s office said that Smith was charged Sept. 11 with three misdemeanors relating to his latest arrest. The charges are driving under the influence with a prior offense, hit and run with property damage and vandalism. Smith will be arraigned on Oct. 6.
“We are confident that the Raiders provide an environment where Aldon can thrive through the support, structure and leadership within the building,” general manager Reggie McKenzie said in a statement. “We are excited to have Aldon here in the Raiders family.”
Smith, 25, was suspended for the first nine games of the 2014 season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies. He reportedly is currently eligible to play in the NFL despite his latest trouble with the law.
Smith had 33.5 sacks his first two seasons with the 49ers but only 10.5 sacks the past two seasons in 18 games.
Former 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith signed, the Raiders announced Sept. 11, 2015. Smith, right, reportedly received a one-year deal worth $8 million with incentives. Defensive end Lavar Edwards was waived by Oakland to make room on its 53-player roster for Smith, who had a troubled career with the 49ers despite being regarded among the NFL's top pass rushers.
The other nine players were previously cut by Oakland: running back George Atkinson III; guard Mitch Bell, tackle Dan Kistler; defensive ends Shelby Harris and Max Valles; defensive tackle Leon Orr; defensive back SaQwan Edwards; safety Tevin McDonald; and linebacker Josh Shirley.
Defensive end Lavar Edwards claimed off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa placed on Reserve/Injured, the Raiders announced Sept. 7, 2015. Edwards, 25,
was a fifth-round choice by Tennessee during the 2013 draft. He has played in 11 NFL career games, contributing 14 total tackles.
The Raiders on Sept. 7, 2015 announced their practice squad with former Southern Methodist quarterback Garrett Gilbert joining Oakland after being released by Detroit.
Defensive back Keenan Lambert claimed off waivers via Seattle and defensive back SaQwan Edwards waived, the Raiders announced Sept. 6, 2015.
The Raiders on Sept. 5, 2015 announced 21 player moves to reduce their roster to the NFL regular-season limit of 53. The moves include:
Safety Brandian Ross placed on Reserve/Injured list.
Tackle Anthony Morris Waived/Injured.
Releasesd — wide receiver Kris Durham, safety Taylor Mays, quarterback Christian Ponder, defensive lineman C.J. Wilson.
Waived — running backs George Atkinson III and Michael Dyer, guard Mitch Bell, linebackers Spencer Hadley and Josh Shirley, defensive ends Shelby Harris, Max Valles and Gary Wilkins; tackle
Dan Kistler, tight end Brian Leonhardt, defensive tackles Rickey Lumpkin and
Leon Orr, safety Tevin McDonald, kicker Giorgio Tavecchio and wide receiver Devon Wiley.
Linebacker Sio Moore traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2016 sixth-round draft pick, according to published reports Sept. 4, 2015. Moore, 25, had a 140 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 26 games (with 22 starts) in two seasons with Oakland. Last season, he started all 11 games he played and contributed 90 tackles and three sacks. The former University of Connecticut star was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2013 draft.
Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander signed and linebacker Horace Miller waived, the Raiders announced Sept. 2, 2015.
Alexander, 32, has played for Washington and Arizona and spent time on the practice squads of Carolina and Baltimore during his eight NFL seasons. He has nine sacks and 154 tackles in 111 career games.
Projected starting right tackle Menelik Watson placed on Reserve/Injured, the Raiders announced Sept. 1, 2015. Oakland on Sept. 1 made moves on 13 players as it reached the NFL mandated roster limit of 75:
Safety Jimmy Hall Waived/Injured.
Cornerbacks James Dockery and Ras-I Dowling and wide receiver/kick returner Trindon Holliday released.
Running back Trent Richardson and wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins are among eight players waived. Also waived are punter Steven Clark, cornerback Rob Daniel, quarterback Cody Fajardo, guard Lamar Mady and wide receivers Josh Harper and Milton Williams III.
The Raiders released running back Trent Richardson and waived wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, according to published reports Aug. 31, 2015. Richardson, 25, contributed 42 rushing yards on 15 carries during three exhibition games with Oakland. The former Alabamba star was the third overall choice in the 2012 draft. Thompkins, 27, had four catches for 27 yards in three preseason games with the Raiders.
Safety Jonathan Dowling waived, the Raiders announced Aug. 29, 2016.
Dowling, 23, played in seven games as a rookie during the 2014 season after being a seventh-round draft choice out of Western Kentucky. He contributed four tackles.
Mays, 27, has played 66 games the past five seasons for San Francisco and Cincinnati. He contributed 72 tackles, four passes defensed, one sack, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Mays, who played primarily on special teams with the Bengals last season, spent time this offseason with Minnesota and Detroit.
Mays is reunited with Oakland defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., an assistant coach at USC when Mays played for the Trojans.
Offensive lineman Eatman Quinterrius waived, the Raiders announced Aug. 28, 2015.
Linebacker Chase Williams placed on Reserve/Injured, the Raiders announced Aug. 27, 2015.
Free-agent safety Taylor Mays signed, the Raiders announced Aug. 26, 2015. Oakland waived/injured linebacker Chase Williams to make room for Mays, who was released by Detroit on Aug. 21.
Wide receiver Devon Wylie is signed and wide receiver Austin Willis is waived, the Raiders announced Aug. 18, 2015. Wylie, 26, has six catches for 53 yards in eight career NFL games. The former Fresno State player spent time on the practice squads of thee 49ers and Rams during the 2014 season.
Former Florida State defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. signed, the Raiders announced June 19. Edwards, 23, was selected by Oakland in the second round (35th overall) of the 2015 NFL draft. He reportedly received a four-year deal from Oakland. Edwards contributed 23 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 36 career games (26 starts) with the Seminoles.
Former Miami tight end Clive Walford signed, the Raiders announced June 16, 2015. Walford, 23, was selected by Oakland during the third round (68th overall) of this year's NFL draft. He had 121 catches for 1,753 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming just the seventh tight end in Hurricanes history to surpass 1,000 career receiving yards.
On June 4, Oakland also announced it had waived tight end Scott Simonson and waived linebacker Jacoby Hale with an injury designation. The Raiders also placed receiver Andre DeBose on the reserve-injured list
and waived linebacker Miles Burris from that list.
Linebacker Jacoby Hale placed on Reserve/Injured, the Raiders announced June 5, 2015.
Wide receiver Kris Durham and linebacker Chase Williams signed, the Raiders announced June 4, 2015.
Durham has played 27 games for Tennessee, Detroit and Seattle over the past four seasons. He has 55 career catches for 699 yards and three touchdowns. He caught six passes for 54 yards last season with Tennessee.
Williams played four years at Virginia Tech, contributing 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
The Raiders also announced on June 3 the signing of free agent wideout and return specialist Trindon Holliday, who spent time with the Giants, 49ers and Buccaneers last season. He also played for the Texans and Broncos since entering the league in 2010. In 33 career games, the well-traveled Holliday has 82 punt returns for 769 yards and 54 kickoff returns for 1,455 yards and four return touchdowns. He is the only player in league history to return a punt and kickoff for touchdowns in the same postseason game
Seventh-round draft pick Andre DeBose is waived-injured reportedly because of an Achilles injury, the Raiders announced June 3, 2015. He was a wide receiver and kick returner at Florida before being selected by Oakland with the 221st overall pick in this year's draft.
Miller, 24, spent 2014 training camp with the Seattle Seahawks and then was signed last October to Carolina’s practice squad. The former Texas El Paso player spent one week on Carolina’s active roster in December, but did not play in a game. He was waived by the Panthers in April.
Linebacker Horace Miller signed and wide receiver Milton Williams III re-signed, the Raiders announced May 27, 2017. The team waived cornerback Travell Dixon and receiver Austin Hill to make room on the roster.
Former Kansas cornerback Dexter McDonald signed, the Raiders announced May 26, 2015. McDonald, 23, was selected by Oakland during the seventh round (242nd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. He reportedly received a four-year deal.
Former University of Florida linebacker Neiron Ball signed, the Raiders announced on May 21, 2015. Ball, 22, was selected by Oakland during the fifth round (161st) of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played four seasons at Florida, starting 16 of his 45 games. He had 94 tackles (37 solo), three sacks, one interception, four passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Chekwa, 27, spent four seasons with the Raiders from 2011-14. He played in 32 games, contributing 35 tackles and six passes defensed. Chekwa played in 10 games for Oakland last season.
Cornerback Chimdi Chekwa signed, the Raiders announced May 20, 2015. The Raiders waived safety Terrell Pinson to make room on the roster for Chekwa, who signed with New England in March but was released May 18.
Former Kansas linebacker Ben Heeney signed, the Raiders announced May 20, 2015. Heeney, 23, was selected by Oakland during the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He reportedly received a four-year deal. Heeney contributed 127 tackles for the Jayhawks as a senior and was selected to the all-Big 12 team.
Feliciano, 23, was picked 128th overall after playing four years at the University of Miami. The versatile lineman is expected to compete for the starting right guard spot. Valles, 20, was picked 161st overall by the Raiders after playing two seasons at Virginia. He had 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one pass defensed in college.
2015 draft picks offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, a fourth-round selection, and sixth-round defensive end Max Valles signed, the Raiders announced May 15. They both reportedly received four-year deals.
Hill, 23, contributed 151 catches for 2,310 yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons at Arizona. His best season came in 2012 when he caught 81 passes for 1,364 yards and 11 TDs. He missed the following season reportedly with a torn ACL injury before returning in 2014, where he had 49 catches for 635 yards and four TDs.
Former University of Arizona wide receiver Austin Hill signed, the Raiders announced May 12, 2015. The team also announced that tackle Anthony Morris and receiver Andre Debose signed. The two were
selected in the seventh round of this year's draft. The Raiders also waived receiver Milton Williams III.
Dyer, 24, rushed for 3,039 yards and 22 touchdowns on 578 carries in college at Auburn and Louisville. He helped the Tigers win the national title in 2010 before transferring first to Arkansas State and then Louisville.
Former Auburn and Louisville running back Michael Dyer signed, the Raiders announced May 11, 2015. Oakland also signed cornerbacks SaQwan Edwards and Travell Dixon; guard Mitch Bell; defensive end Gary Wilkins and receiver Austin Willis. The team also waived
running backs Terrance Cobb and Gus Johnson; cornerback Chance Carey; defensive back Vernon Kearney and linebacker Braylon Mitchell. Receiver Jeremy Gallon was also waived with an injured designation.
The Raiders on May 8, 2015 announced the signing of 14 undrafted free agents including former Fresno State wide receiver Josh Harper and ex-Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo. Also signing with Oakland are cornerback Rob Daniel; offensive tackle/guard Quinterrius Eatmon; linebackers Jacoby Hale, Braylon Mitchell , Josh Shirley;
safeties Jimmy Hall, Trevin McDonald, Terrell Pinson; tight end Gabe Holmes; running back Gus Johnson; defensive tackle Leon Orr; wide receiver Milton Williams III.
Cooper won the 2014 Biletnikoff Award as college football's top receiver, setting an SEC record with 124 receptions as a junior. In 40 career games, he set Crimson Tide records of 228 catches for 3,463 yards and 31 TDs, averaging 15.2 yards per catch.
Update: The Raiders announced Harper's signing on May 7, 2015.
Harper, 23, had 79 catches for 1,011 yards and 13 TDs during the 2013 season when the Bulldogs QB was Derek Carr, selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 draft. Harper had 90 catches for 1,097 yards and seven scores during the 2014 season. Fajardo, 23, threw for 9,535 yards and 57 TDs with 29 INTs in 44 career games with the Wolf Pack. He completed 65.6 percent of 1,319 passes and averaged 78.0 rushing yards per game at Nevada.
In six seasons with the 49ers, Crabtree had 347 catches for 4,327 yards and 26 TDs. His best season was in 2012 when he had career highs in catches (85), receiving yards (1,105) and TDs (9). He reportedly tore his Achilles tendon the following offseason and was limited to 19 catches for 284 yards in five games in 2013.
Oakland also announced the signing of exclusive rights free agent defensive end Denico Autry, tight end Brian Leonhardt, tackle Matt McCants, fullback Jamize Olawale and cornerback Neiko Thorpe.
Holmes, 26, contributed 47 catches for 693 yards and four TDs with the Raiders during the 2014 season. Ross, 25, had two inteceptions and 55 total tackles while starting 10 games last season with Oakland. Asante, 27, had 25 total tackles last season with the Raiders.
Oakland is Richardson's third NFL team since the former Alabama star was the third overall pick in the 2012 draft. As a rookie with the Browns, he rushed for 950 yards and 11 TDs. The Browns then traded
Richardson, 24, to Indianapolis for a first-round pick two games into the 2013 season.
He had 977 rushing yards in 29 games for the Colts before getting cut March 12, 2015. He has averaged 3.30 yards in 614 rushing attempts.
Schuab, who turns 34 on June 25, was 5 of 10 passing for 57 yards with two interceptions during the 2014 season. The Raiders reportedly traded a sixth-round pick to the Houston Texans for Schaub last March and paid him $8 million for for his only season in Oakland. His biggest contribution with the Raiders was he took over the holding duties for punter Marquette King.
McFadden, 27, rushed for 534 yards and two touchdowns and caught 36 passes for 212 yards during the 2014 season. In his seven seasons with Oakland, he had 4,247 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. He also had 211 receptions for 1,769 yards and five touchdowns, but the former Arkansas star was hampered by injury throughout his Raiders career.
McFadden recorded Raiders career highs of 1,157 rushing yards and sevens touchdowns in the 2010 season.
Last season was the first time McFadden played in all 16 games with 12 starts but he lost his starting role to Latavius Murray in the second half of the season.
McFadden reportedly averaged 3.34 yars per carry over the past three seasons after averaging 5.2 and 5.4 yards in the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
The Raiders selected McFadden with the fourth overall selection in the 2008 NFL draft.
Ponder, 27, will be reunited in Oakland with new Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who held the same position with the Vikings from 2011 to 2013. Ponder played the past four seasons with the Vikings, throwing for 6,658 yards, 38 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 38 games. He had a 14-21-1 record in 36 starts with the Vikings.
Allen, 27, had 10 interceptions, 28 passes defensed, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 74 games with 69 starts with Philadelphia. The former South Florida star is expected to enter training camp as Oakland's starting strong safety after veteran Tyvon Branch
Williams, 27, is regarded as a stout run defender. Playing as a nose tackle in Arizona's 3-4 defense, he had the seventh best run stop percentage last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He has only two sacks in 70 career games.
Update: The Raiders announced the signing of Williams on March 11.
Lofton, 28, has recorded at least 118 tackles in each of the last six seasons. He spent four seasons (2008 to 2011) with the Atlanta Falcons before playing the past three seasons with the Saints. The former Oklahoma star has seven career sacks and three interceptions in 112 games
Update: The Raiders announced the signing of Helu on March 11.
Malcolm Smith, 25, was named the Super Bowl MVP in the 2014 season when he returned an interception for a touchdown, recovered a fumble and had nine tackles in the Seahawks' 43-8 win over Denver. He reportedly started only five games and played less than one-third of the defensive snaps for Seattle this past season.
Lee Smith, 27, had 20 catches in four seasons with Buffalo but is considered an accomplished blocking tight end to complement Oakland's Mychal Rivera. Lee Smith reportedly agreed to a three-year, $9.1 million deal with the Raiders.
Update: The Raiders announced the signings of Malcolm Smith and Lee Smith on March 11.
The deal cannot be made official until the NFL league year begins on March 10, 2015 at 4 p.m. Eastern
Update: The Raiders announced the deal with Hudson on March 11.
Hudson, 25, reportedly was graded by Pro Football Focus as the third-rated center in the league during the 2014 season.
He joined the Chiefs in 2011 as a second-round draft pick from Florida State and became a starter in 2013. He was sidelined most of the 2012 season with a broken bone in his left leg.
Hudson started 35 of 51 games with Kansas City, including 31 of 32 conests the past two seasons..
Hudson's arrival repportedly means the Raiders will sever ties with center Stefen Wisniewski, who is also an unrestricted free agent. Wisniewski, a second-round pick in 2011, started 61 of 64 games the past four seasons.
Roach, 29, started all 16 games for Oakland during the 2013 season but sustained a concussion in the third exhibition game the following season and never returned to the lineup. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve in October. Young, 29, saw action in 18 games the past two seasons but ended up on injured reserve each year with a neck injury in 2013 and a knee injury last season.
Jones-Drew, 29, reportedly earned $2.9 million during the 2014 season but only rushed for 96 yards on 43 carries in 12 games with Oakland.
Jones-Drew, who played eight seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before signuing with the Raiders in 2014, finished his career with 8,167 yards rushing and was named to three Pro Bowls.
He ranked second in the NFL with 4,321 yards rushing in a three-year span from 2009-2011. The former UCLA star had 1,313 yards in his final three seasons — fewer than he had in each of the previous three years.
Woodley, 30, reportedly earned more than $4.8 million last season with Oakland when he had no sacks and 11 tackles in six games before being sidelined by a season-ending biceps injury.
The roster moves reportedly save the Raiders about $7.7 million on their 2015 salary cap.
Update: The Raiders announced Branch's release on March 3.
Branch, 28, started 62 of 64 games from 2009 to 2012 but was hampered by injuries the past two seasons and played only five games. The former Connecticut star was selected by Oakland in the fourth round of the 2008 draft.
Branch suffered a season-ending neck injury in the second game of the 2013 season and broke his foot in the third game last season and did not return. He has four interceptions, eight sacks, 19 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 75 career games.
Woodson, 49, will be Oakland assistant defensive backs coach. Woodson reportedly received a NFL minority coaching fellowship the with Denver last offseason when current Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was the Broncos' defensive coordinator.
Woodson played for the Raiders in 2002 and 2003 and coached the club’s cornerbacks in 2011.
Oakland on Feb. 9 also announced the hiring defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, who held the same position with Miami (Fla.) in 2014.
The Raiders also annouced 10 other hirings Feb. 9:
Sam Anno (defensive assistant), Darryl Eto (assistant strength and conditioning), Joe Gomes (head strength and conditioning), Tim Holt (assistant offensive line), Nick Holz (quality control/offense), Kevin Kijowski (strength and conditioning assistant), Wesley Miller (strength and conditioning assistant), Jake Peetz (senior offensive assistant), Travis Smith (quality control/defense) and Brent Vieselmeyer (assistant linebackers).
Norton, 48, and new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio were teammates with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 1991. Norton, who spent five seasons (2010 to 2014) as Seahawks linebackers coach.
has never been a defensive coordinator in the NFL although his new boss has extensive experience coaching defenses.
“I have certain ideas that I have that I know that work,” Norton told reporters after being hired by the Raiders. “(Del Rio) has certain ideas that he has that he knows that work. We’re going to bring them together and obviously make them the Raider way.”
Norton played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, winning three Super Bowl titles as a linebacker. He is the only player in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowl titles, playing on championship teams in Dallas in 1992 and 1993 before winning another league title the following season with the 49ers.
He played eight seasons in Oakland before leaving as a free agent to go to Green Bay, where he won the 2009 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award and the Super Bowl the following season. He returned to the Raiders in 2013 and will enter the third season of his second stint with the team.
Woodson is a three-time All Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler in 17 NFL seasons. He has 60 career interceptions, 20 sacks, 33 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries in 238 career games. Woodson is the only player with at least 50 career interceptions and 20 sacks. He also has intercepted at least one pass in 17 straight seasons — two shy of the record streak held by Darrell Green, who played until he was 42.
Tice, 55, was offensive line coach of the Atlanta Falcons during the 2014 season. He had a 33-34 record (including 1-1 postseason) with the Vikings from 2002 to 2005. Tice previously worked with current Oakland coach Jack Del Rio on the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff from 2006 to 2009.
Robertson, 45, returns for his second season with the Raiders after being praised by veteran Charles Woodson for his work with Oakland's safeties.
Sunseri, 55, was the defensive coordinator at Florida State during the 2014 season and has also coached for seven seasons (2002 to 2008) in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Downing, 34, Downing spent last season as quarterbacks coach of the Buffalo Bills after previously having the same position with the Detroit Lions from 2011 to 2013.
Musgrave, 47, also has been the coordinator with the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings during his NFL coaching career that began with a one-year stint as Oakland quarterbacks coach in 1997.
The former Oregon star spent the 2014 seasons as the quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He played for San Francisco and Denver as a backup quarterback.
The Raiders confirmed Del Rio's hiring on Jan. 15.
Del Rio, 51, reportedly received a four-year deal. He is Oakland's ninth head coacch since the 2003 season.
Del Rio replaces Tony Sparano, who replaced the fired Dennis Allen and had a 3-9 record as Oakland's interim head coach the final 12 games of the 2014 season.
Before coming to Denver, Del Rio had a 68-71 regular-season record in nine seasons as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach. He made the playoffs in 2005 and 2007, winning a playoff game in his second postseason trip. He was fired with five games remaining in the 2011 season.
Del Rio has extensive NFL experience, having played 12 seasons as a linebacker and has been an assistant coach with New Orleans, Baltimore and Carolina befire being hired by the Jaguars.
The other candidates reportedly who interviewed for the Oakland job were former Raiders, Denver and Washington coach Mike Shanahan, Philadelphia offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, San Francisco tight ends coach Eric Mangini, Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Indianapolis offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.
Former Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper signed, the Raiders announced May 7, 2015. Cooper, who turns 21 on June 18, was chosen by Oakland with the fourth overall choice in the 2015 NFL Draft. He reportedly will earn about $22.6 million over the four-year deal with a $14.7 million signing bonus. The team will have a fifth-year option.
Guard Kevin Boothe and wide receiver James Jones released, the Raiders announced May 5, 2015. Jones, 31, had a team-high 73 catches during the 2014 season but averaged only 9.1 yards per reception. Boothe, 31, saw action in only nine games with no starts.
Linebacker Miles Burris waived/injured and tight end Nick Kasa waived/failed physical, the Raiders announced May 5, 2015. Burris, 26, started 32 of 38 games including all 16 last season at middle linebacker for Oakland. He was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2012 draft. Kasa, 24, missed the 2014 regular season with an ACL tear suffered reportedly in August.
The Raiders on May 5, 2016 waived the following players: cornerback Jansen Watson, defensive tackle Kona Schwenke and linebackers Justin Jackson and Bojay Filimoeatu.
Former Fresno State wide receiver Josh Harper and ex-Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo agree to terms on undrafted free agent deals with the Raiders, according to published reports May 2, 2015.
Former 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree reached a deal with the Raiders, according to published reports April 13, 2015. He received a one-year, $3 million deal with incentives available. Crabtree, 27, had 68 receptions for 698 yards and four TDs during the 2014 season. His 10.3 yards per catch was the sixth-lowest of any wide receiver in the NFL.
Punter Marquette King and wide receiver Rod Streater are among 10 restricted free agents to re-sign with Oakland, the Raiders announced April 8, 2015. Also re-signed are wide receiver Andre Holmes and safeties Brandian Ross and Larry Asante.
Wide receiver Andre Holmes, safety Brandian Ross and safety Larry Asante signed their one-year restricted free-agent tender offers with the Raiders, according to published reports April 8, 2015.
Holmes and Ross reportedly were tendered at the right-of-first-refusal level, while Asante received a fifth-round tender.
Offensive tackle J’Marcus Webb signed, the Raiders announced April 2, 2015. Webb, 26, has started 45 of 55 games over five seasons with Chicago and Minnesota. The 6-foot-7, 333-pound Webb played with the Vikings during the 2013 season under current Oakland offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who held the same position with Minnesota from 2011 to 2013. Webb started only one of nine games with the Vikings the past two seasons.
Defensive tackle Antonio Smith released, the Raiders announced March 31, 2015, Smith, 33, started all 16 games in the 2014 season for Oakland and contributed three sacks. He has 44.5 career sacks in 155 career games with Arizona, Houston and Oakland. The Raiders reportedly save $3.2 million by releasing Smith, who signed a two-year, $9 million deal with Oakland before the start of last season.
Defensive lineman C.J. Wilson re-signed, the Raiders announced March 30, 2015. Wilson, 28, started seven of 16 games last season for Oakland and contributed 23 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. He played his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
Former Browns and Colts running back Trent Richardson signed, the Raiders announced March 17, 2015.
He reportedly received a two-year deal worth $3.9 million, with another $4.1 million available through incentives.
Backup quarterback Matt Schaub is released, the Raiders announced March 16, 2015. The move reportedly saves the Raiders $5.5 million on their 2015 salary cap.
Former Raiders running back Darren McFadden signed with the Dallas Cowboys, the Cowboys announced March 13, 2015. The two-year deal reportedly is worth up to $5.85 million and includes a $200,000 signing bonus.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder signed, the Raiders announced March 13, 2015. He reportedly received a one-year contract.
Former Panthers and Browns cornerback James Dockery signed, the Raiders announced on March 13, 2015. Dockery, 26, spent the past three seasons with Carolina (2012 to 2014) after signing with Cleveland as an undrafted free agent in 2011. The former Oregon State defensive back has contributed 32 solo tackles and two passes defensed in 31 NFL games with two starts.
Former Auburn University punter Steven Clark signed, the Raiders announced March 13, 2015.
After averaging 42.6 yards per punt as a senior in 2013, Clark signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent but reportedly was released in May 2014.
Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Nate Allen signed, the Raiders announced March 12, 2015. He reportedly received a four-year deal after playing the past five seasons with the NFC East Eagles.
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dan Williams and ex-New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton agreed to contracts with the Raiders, according to published reports March 11, 2015.
Former Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu and the Raiders agreed on a two-year deal, according to published reports March 10, 2015. Helu, 26, had 42 catches for 477 yards and two touchdowns in the 2014 season while adding 216 rushing yards and a TD on 40 carries.
Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith and ex-Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith agreed to contracts with the Raiders, according to published reports March 10, 2015.
Former Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson will sign a five-year, $44.5 million contract with Oakland, according to published reports March 9, 2015. At $8.9 million per season, Hudson will become the highest paid center in the league, surpassing Pittsburgh's Maurice Pouncey ($8.8 million).
Former starting middle linebacker Paul Roach and safety Usama Young released, the Raiders announced March 6. 2015. Both players reportedly failed their physicals.
Raiders running back Maurice Jones announced his retirement on Twitter, according to published reports March 5, 2015. The Raiders also announced the release of defensive end LaMarr Woodley.
Former starting strong safety Tyvon Branch will be released before the start of the new league year in March, the Raiders announced Feb. 25, 2015. He reportedly had one year remaining on his contract.
Kicker Giorgio Tavecchio signed, the Raiders announced Feb. 24, 2015.
Tavecchio, 24, will serve as an offseason and training camp backup for Sebastian Janikowski. Tavecchio played one 2014 exhibition game for the Raiders, making two 47-yard field goals against Seattle. The former Cal kicker has also spent time in training camps with San Francisco, Green Bay and Detroit.
Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson was among 12 assistants named to the Raiders' coaching staff, the team announced Feb. 9, 2015.
Former Seattle Seahawks linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. named Raiders defensive cooerdinator, the Raiders announced Feb. 6, 2015.
The Raiders on Jan. 27, 2015 announced the hiring of four assistant coaches: tight ends coach Bobby Johnson , wide receivers coach Rob Moore, running backs coach Bernie Parmalee and assistant special teams coach Tracy Smith.
Free safety Charles Woodson signed a one-year contract, the Raiders announced Jan. 26, 2015. Woodson, who turns 39 on Oct. 7, reportedly was eligible to be a
free agent in March. He played all 16 games during the 2014 regular season and led Oakland with 160 tackles, including 105 solo tackles and four interceptions. He also contributed nine passes defensed, a fumble recovery and a sack.
Woodson, right, originally joined the Raiders as the No. 4 overall pick in 1998 NFL draft after an outstanding career at the University of Michigan, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Wolverines to a share of the national championship in 1997.
Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice named Raiders offensive line coach, the Raiders announced Jan. 23, 2015. Oakland also announced the hiring of three other assistant coaches: defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson, linebackers coach Sal Sunseri and quarterbacks coach Todd Downing.
Bill Musgrave named Raiders offensive coordinator, the team announced Jan. 17, 2015. Musgrave previously worked with current Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio as offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
Brad Seely named special teams coordinator, the Raiders announced Jan. 20. 2015. Seeley, 58, had the same job the past four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He reportedly won special teams coach of the year in the 2009 season with the Cleveland Browns and won three Super Bowls in 10 seasons (1998 to 2008) as special teams coach of the New England Patriots.
Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice named Raiders offensive line coach, according to published reports Jan. 16, 2015. Tice, 55, was offensive line coach of the Atlanta Falcons during the 2014 season. He had a 33-34 record (including 1-1 postseason) with the Vikings from 2002 to 2005. Tice previously worked with current Oakland coach Jack Del Rio on the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff from 2006 to 2009.
Jack Del Rio named the Raiders' 21st head coach, according to published reports Jan. 14, 2015. The Bay Area native is just the fourth head coach hired by the Raiders with previous head-coaching experience at the NFL level.
Del Rio, left, has been the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator the past three seasons, helping the team win three straight AFC West titles and advance to the Super Bowl at the end of the 2013 season.
Denver ranked third in total defense and tied for 16th in scoring defense this past season. The Broncos reportedly were third in total defense and 10th in scoring defense in Del Rio’s three seasons with the team.
