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Six bold Las Vegas Raiders free agency predictions, including signing Sam Darnold and Najee Harris

Moe Moton — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:41:33 +0000

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Two days before the new league starts on March 12, NFL teams can negotiate with players who have agents during the legal tampering period. The Las Vegas Raiders may be one of the most active teams, with the second-most cap space and numerous needs to address across the roster.

The Raiders’ most important decision will come down to the quarterback position. After a failed attempt to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams, the Silver and Black will likely sign at least one veteran signal-caller in free agency. Las Vegas will cut quarterback Gardner Minshew II, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Raiders expected to release QB Gardner Minshew at start of new league year next week. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/nmb16Jkt0m
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2025

With a new group of offensive coaches, the Raiders may focus heavily on acquisitions for that side of the ball to support their quarterback. Still, they cannot neglect defensive needs at linebacker and cornerback.

Here are six final predictions for whom the Raiders may sign or part ways with in free agency.

Raiders sign quarterback Sam Darnold

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Equipped with $96.3 million in cap space, the Raiders won’t flinch in their negotiations with Sam Darnold, who could sign a contract worth up to $40 million annually. Darnold is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 66.2 percent completion rate. He will command a big contract.

Yes, Darnold is a risky pickup at his projected pay rate, but the Raiders can give themselves a two-year out in his contract and still draft a quarterback in case he flops in Las Vegas.

Raiders sign running back Najee Harris

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According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, Najee Harris has been linked to the Raiders. Some may think this is an agent doing his job to ramp up a client’s market, but Harris is arguably the top running back in the free-agent class. He doesn’t need artificial buzz, and the Raiders must remake their backfield.

New head coach Pete Carroll has experience with bigger running backs like Marshawn Lynch and Chris Carson. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly worked with bruising ball-carriers like Zach Charbonnet and Quinshon Judkins. General manager John Spytek was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ director of player personnel when the team signed Leonard Fournette. At 6-foot-1, 242 pounds and durable — having suited up for every game in four seasons — Harris fits the mold Raiders brass covets in a tailback.

Safety Tre’von Moehrig signs elsewhere

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According to Spotrac, Tre’von Moehrig has a market value of $15.7 million annually. At that pay rate, he would be among the league’s top seven highest-paid safeties. The 25-year-old has accumulated impressive ball production over the last two years, registering five interceptions and 18 pass breakups. He will attract multiple offers.

If the Raiders allow Moehrig to test free agency, he’s less likely to return to Las Vegas. Fiscally shrewd teams get into bidding battles for elite players. Moehrig is a quality safety, but he’ll probably take the biggest contract, and it may not come from the Raiders, who need to fill needs at premium positions.

Raiders sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.

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Byron Murphy Jr. would be an ideal addition to the Raiders’ secondary. Las Vegas needs an upgrade over boundary cornerback Jack Jones, who allowed eight touchdowns last season, and slot cornerback Nate Hobbs will be a free agent.

According to Pro Football Focus, Murphy has played over 2,000 snaps in the slot and more than 3,000 snaps on the boundary. If the Raiders cut Jones or let Hobbs walk, he can fill either spot. Additionally, the ascending Pro Bowl cornerback has recorded nine interceptions and 27 pass breakups over the last two years with the Vikings.

Tight end Michael Mayer is traded to the Indianapolis Colts

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According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed, the Raiders have had talks with teams inquiring about Michael Mayer. Because of tight end Brock Bowers’ immediate emergence as a star in an All-Pro rookie campaign, Las Vegas should try to move Mayer while he’s only 23 with upside but stuck in a backup role.

The Indianapolis Colts could be a logical fit for Mayer because they have two tight ends, Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson, set to become free agents. Indianapolis’ third-year tight end Jelani Woods hasn’t played since 2022 because of injuries. Mayer would be the Colts’ best tight end the moment he walks into their facility.

Raiders sign linebacker Dre Greenlaw

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Dre Greenlaw felt Carroll overlooked him during the 2019 pre-draft process, and he made sure to make his presence known in NFC West battles between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll knows who Greenlaw is now and would welcome him to the Silver and Black to solidify the middle of the defense.

Robert Spillane has an expiring contract, and even if the Raiders re-sign him, they need someone to replace Divine Deablo. Greenlaw can strengthen the linebacker unit with his speed and coverage ability. Before missing most of the 2024 season recovering from a torn Achilles, he recorded 10 pass breakups and an interception between 2022 and 2023.

Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.

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Report: 49ers to sign LB Eric Kendricks

Sportsnaut — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:39:59 +0000

Credit: Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year contract, ESPN reported on Wednesday morning.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Kendricks, who recorded 117 tackles in 15 games (14 starts) last season before being released by the Chargers on March 5. Los Angeles saved $6.5 million with the release of Kendricks, who signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract prior to the 2023 season.

The addition of Kendricks will help the 49ers address the position after linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles during the team’s 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.

Kendricks, who turned 32 on Feb. 29, was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. He has 1,036 tackles, 18.5 sacks, nine interceptions, six fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles in 132 career games (127 starts) with the Vikings and Chargers.

Greenlaw completed his fifth season with the 49ers in 2023 and had 120 tackles, the second-highest output of his career.

–Field Level Media

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Report: 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw has Achilles surgery

Sportsnaut — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 02:15:10 +0000

Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw had successful surgery Thursday to repair his torn Achilles, NFL Network reported.

Greenlaw was injured when he began to run on to the field following a punt during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVIII last Sunday in Las Vegas. The standout defender suffered a full tear and could miss the start of the 2024 season.

He had three tackles in the 49ers’ 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Greenlaw, who turns 27 in May, was a fifth-round pick by San Francisco in 2019. He collected 120 tackles along with four passes defended, 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits this past season (15 games), and he had two interceptions during the team’s three postseason games.

–Field Level Media

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Reports: NFL denies Eagles’ appeal of security chief’s sideline ban, fine

Sportsnaut — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 17:35:18 +0000

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles apparently will have to do without security chief Dom DiSandro on the sidelines for the rest of the regular season.

Multiple outlets reported Friday that the NFL denied the Eagles’ appeal of the league’s suspension of DiSandro for his involvement in a sideline incident with an opposing player in Week 13.

The NFL reportedly also denied the Eagles’ appeal of the $100,000 fine to the team.

The suspension and fine stem from an incident in the Eagles’ 42-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 3.

At the end of a play, a scuffle broke out between Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith and 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who received an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play. As the scuffle bled into the sidelines where DiSandro was standing, he put himself between the two players and then made contact with Greenlaw in an attempt to move him away from the Eagles’ sideline. Greenlaw responded by swiping at DiSandro’s face, grazing him.

Both Greenlaw and DiSandro were ejected from the game. Greenlaw was fined $10,927 by the league for the unnecessary roughness penalty.

The Eagles received a $100,000 fine, which the team reportedly has paid. DiSandro can still be at the stadium and perform all other game-day security duties but cannot be on the sideline until the postseason.

Greenlaw and DiSandro exchanged apologies through an intermediary, Greenlaw told reporters Wednesday, and he said he holds no ill will toward DiSandro.

DiSandro, 45, has been with the Eagles since 1999. He is a senior adviser to Eagles general manager Howie Roseman in addition to a variety of security matters for players, coaches and executives. He is in charge of security related to the team’s travel as well as at the team’s training complex.

–Field Level Media

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Eagles’ head of security bumped from sideline for Cowboys game

Sportsnaut — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:09:55 +0000

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles head of security Dom DiSandro will not patrol the sideline for Sunday night’s game against the host Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles announced Saturday morning.

The decision comes on the heels of last week’s sideline incident that occurred between San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw and DiSandro. Greenlaw was ejected from the contest and DiSandro was asked by officials to leave the sideline.

“This is an ongoing conversation with the NFL, and we are going to respect the restriction that is currently in place. Although Dom will not be on the sideline this Sunday, he will continue to fulfill his role with the team in all other capacities,” the Eagles said in their statement.

ESPN reported that DiSandro and other Eagles officials met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the league office in New York on Friday.

The NFC East-leading Eagles (10-2) recorded a 28-23 victory over Dallas (9-3) in Philadelphia on Nov. 5. The division rivals will conclude their season series on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.

–Field Level Media

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49ers’ Dre Greenlaw fined for hit on Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott

Sportsnaut — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 21:08:05 +0000

Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was fined $10,609 by the NFL for his unnecessary roughness penalty on Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, NFL Network reported on Saturday.

Greenlaw, 25, lowered the boom on Elliott while the running back was out of bounds after a 9-yard pass play during the second quarter of last Sunday’s NFC divisional round playoff game. Greenlaw also was penalized on the play.

The second-seeded 49ers posted a 19-12 victory over the Cowboys to advance to this Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles.

Greenlaw also received a $10,609 fine for unnecessary roughness after his helmet-to-helmet hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert on Nov. 13. He was penalized and ejected from that game.

Greenlaw recorded a career-high 127 tackles and two forced fumbles in 15 games (all starts) this season.

–Field Level Media

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw agrees to 2-year extension

Sportsnaut — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:39:57 +0000

Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers reached agreement on a two-year extension worth nearly $19 million with linebacker Dre Greenlaw, NFL Network reported Monday.

Greenlaw, 25, gets $10 million in guaranteed money, per the report. The sides reached the deal before the 49ers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Greenlaw went on to record eight tackles in the game.

Greenlaw is in his fourth year with the Niners. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 draft.

He has racked up 212 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks in 34 games (26 starts) for San Francisco.

–Field Level Media

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