Michael Gehlken joined the Review-Journal in April 2017 following the Raiders’ approved relocation to Las Vegas. He previously covered the Chargers for seven seasons, including five for the San Diego Union-Tribune. He produces breaking news, features and other coverage on Nevada’s future NFL team from Oakland as a Bay Area resident.
The Raiders had five exclusive-rights free agents who needed to be tendered before the Wednesday start of the 2018 league year, otherwise expose them to free agency. Kicker Giorgio Tavecchio, safety Erik Harris, defensive end James Cowser, linebacker Shilique Calhoun and guard-tackle Denver Kirkland are expected to sign their one-year deals.
One thing is certain about the Raiders’ tight ends in 2018: They can block.
The Raiders largely took a measured approach Monday and Tuesday amid the free agency frenzy across the NFL. Their pace will pick up Wednesday.
The Raiders agreed to a three-year contract Tuesday with tight end Derek Carrier, a source said. He spent 2017 with the Los Angeles Rams and the previous two years with the Washington Redskins.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden did not seem impressed with Marshall Newhouse last month upon mentioning the right tackle at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
The Raiders signed wide receiver Griff Whalen to a one-year contract Monday, a source said. The former Stanford standout was last with the Baltimore Ravens before his Oct. 31 release.
The Raiders have released Sean Smith from a four-year contract, a source said Monday. His next pact reportedly involves one year in jail and three years on probation.
Days before the start of free agency, the Raiders retained a key run stopper. Nose tackle Justin Ellis has agreed to a three-year contract worth more than $15 million, including $6.25 million guaranteed.
Reggie McKenzie does not need a second opinion. The Raiders general manager believes in Gareon Conley. He long has.
The Raiders are known to be more defense-minded entering the March 14 start of free agency than they were at this stage in 2017.
New Raiders secondary coach Derrick Ansley had a family of sorts at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis as five Alabama defensive backs he coached for the past two years under Nick Saban all competed at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Raiders hoped the Aldon Smith story would conclude on a positive note. It still can, although not with them.
Incoming NFL rookie Kahlil McKenzie is no stranger to the league. He grew up around it.
The Raiders won’t own the No. 9 overall draft pick on April 26 after all, officially assigned the 10th selection courtesy of a coin-toss tiebreaker at the NFL Scouting Combine. The San Francisco 49ers will choose ninth.
Publicly, the Raiders have suggested WR Michael Crabtree and RB Marshawn Lynch will be Raiders in 2018. Privately, they seek to rework contracts.
