It’s only natural for siblings to steal toys from one another. Perhaps that explains Jon Gruden‘s early approach to free agency. Tight end Derek Carrier and the Raiders have agreed to a three-year deal, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
Carrier spent two seasons with the Redskins, under the tutelage of Jon’s brother Jay Gruden. Last year, he was shipped to the Rams in a September trade.
The 27-year-old was mostly irrelevant on offense, hauling in only eight receptions for 71 yards. In 190 snaps, the former undrafted free agent out of Beloit proved to adequate in blocking, especially in pass situations. Carrier didn’t play enough to earn a spot in Pro Football Focus’ rankings, but his rating suggests he would have been listed 30th among 71 eligible tight ends.
Carrier will join a new-crowded tight end crop in Oakland. The team is currently rostering three others at the position, including Jared Cook, Clive Walford, and Pharaoh Brown. Cook is coming off of wrist surgery, however, and Lee Smith is a pending free agent.
Good looking young man, although that samurai cut he had for a while was a bit off-putting.