The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy in free agency by signing one of the best players available, if not the best, in Christian Wilkins. Now, their defense will be an even bigger problem. But, in the midst of all that, they also lost a couple of unrestricted free agents.
The Raiders were not able to retain veteran tight end Austin Hooper, who hit the market and signed a deal with the New England Patriots. It was important that the Raiders build depth at the position and keep a veteran tight end for the now-second-year tight end, Michael Mayer.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the team signed tight end Harrison Bryant, who was formerly with the Cleveland Browns, to a one-year deal worth $3 million on Wednesday.
Bryant is not a guy who will be a Pro Bowler or anything like that. However, he is a much better run blocker than Austin Hooper, which is perfect for the Raiders' new outside zone scheme.
Bryant has never had more than 240 receiving yards in four seasons of play, so he won't be a guy that takes over that part of the offense for the Raiders, and he certainly will not take important targets away from Mayer. This was a good signing overall, especially when you look at the fact that Hooper signed his deal for $1 million more.
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