Five-year veteran center Andre James signed a new contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. James, a former undrafted free agent, spent the entirety of his professional career with the Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders.
Andre James, Las Vegas Raiders, Agree to Contract
James enters free agency following the best season of his professional career. Starting and appearing in 16 games, Andre James recorded a career-best 74.6 PFF grade during the final year of his contract. By that metric, he was the ninth-best center in the league out of 36 eligible players. The Raiders themselves got off to a slow start but found some life after firing head coach Josh McDaniels. Under then-interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the team clawed their way to a 5-4 record despite starting rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
Andre James originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft. Signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the UCLA product looked every bit like an undrafted free agent early in his career. James spent the majority of his rookie season on the bench but had to fill in for Rodney Hudson in short bursts. While on the field, the rookie recorded an underwhelming 23.4 PFF grade.
James’ slow start didn’t improve in 2020, as he played in exactly one offensive snap. While he appeared in 16 games, most of his work came on special teams. Still, the Raiders proved that they believed in Andre James by signing him to a three-year contract in March of 2021.
James immediately justified that signing. Starting in all 17 games, the former undrafted free agent proved that he belonged in the NFL. The UCLA product finished 20th in PFF grade as the Raiders made a surprise run to the playoffs. While the team struggled in 2022, James remained reliable by finishing the year with a 62.8 PFF grade.
Since signing his rookie contract, Andre James has appeared in 76 games while making 49 starts.
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