Raiders signed Penn State QB Matt McGloin.
A former walk-on, McGloin turned into a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions, but struggled with accuracy and turnovers before his senior season. An unimposing 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, Joe Paterno's final quarterback shouldn't be more than a camp arm for Oakland.
New Raiders KR Josh Cribbs (meniscus surgery) says he'll be ready "when it's time to play football."
Cribbs called Jets GM John Idzik's observation that his knee "(wasn't) quite there yet" a "negotiation tactic" before admitting he might not be ready to practice for over a month. Regardless, Cribbs should be ready well in advance of Week 1, and is slotted in as the Raiders' primary return man.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on NFL 32 that fourth-round pick Tyler Wilson made a "very big impression" on Raiders brass during his first week of offseason practices.
Mort suggested Raiders officials believe Wilson "looks a little better than (they) thought" he would. It's a positive early step because Wilson is likely to shine in live, contact situations as well due to his toughness in the pocket. Right now, Wilson is just throwing the ball against air and DBs who can't hit. In terms of being a value pick, Wilson was our favorite quarterback in the 2013 draft.
Raiders signed P Chris Kluwe to a one-year, $840,000 contract.
Kluwe's controversial/outspoken nature, mediocre play and $1.45M contract got him ousted from Minnesota. He'll fit right in the with the Raiders, who now have their Shane Lechler replacement at a veteran minimum salary. Kluwe's torn left meniscus is expected to be healed well before camp, where he'll face some competition from Marquette King.
Raiders agreed to terms with WR/KR Josh Cribbs, formerly of the Browns, on a one-year contract.
Jets GM John Idzik said just yesterday that Cribbs' knee wasn't yet up to snuff coming off meniscus surgery, but the Raiders decided they couldn't wait to sign the return specialist. Going on 30, Cribbs has taken a number of thundering hits over the years, but remained one of the league's best return men last season. Cribbs should see little, if any, time on offense. He's surpassed 200 yards receiving only twice in his eight-year career.
Raiders claimed WR Andre Holmes off waivers from the Patriots.
Although Holmes has been cut twice since late November -- first by Dallas and most recently by New England -- he's 6-foot-4, 210 with 4.45 speed and the Raiders need all the talent they can get. He'll compete for a roster spot.
Raiders signed TE Jeron Mastrud, formerly of the Dolphins.
Mastrud, 25, appeared in 14 games with Miami last season, playing 100 snaps. He wasn't targeted in the passing game and is purely a blocker. The Raiders also claimed WR Andre Holmes off waivers from the Patriots. To make room, Oakland released TE Mickey Shuler and DB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah.