Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders’ transaction wire has been active in recent weeks, with a series of strategic moves aimed at strengthening the roster for the playoff push and addressing key areas of need. From signing veteran free agents to promoting practice squad players and waiving underperforming contributors, each transaction reflects the front office’s focus on balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility. As the team fights for a wildcard spot, these moves have flown under the radar for casual fans but carry significant weight in shaping the Raiders’ on-field performance down the stretch. Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the most impactful transactions, their rationale, how they fill roster gaps, and what they signal about the team’s priorities.

Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the team’s most notable signing: veteran offensive tackle Trent Brown to a one-year deal. Brown, a former Raider who won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, returns to Las Vegas after spending the past two seasons with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals. The move comes as the Raiders’ offensive line continues to battle injuries, with left tackle Kolton Miller sidelined for three games earlier this season and backup Jermaine Eluemunor struggling with consistency. Brown, who has 10 years of NFL experience and 98 career starts, provides immediate depth at both tackle positions and can step into the starting lineup if needed. “Trent is a proven player who knows our system and brings toughness to the line,” said Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler. “We’ve been looking for a reliable swing tackle, and his experience in big games makes him a valuable addition as we push for the playoffs.” Brown’s signing, which carries a base salary of \(3 million with \)1 million in incentives, is a low-risk, high-reward move that addresses the Raiders’ most pressing need.

Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the team’s roster cuts and practice squad promotions, which have helped refresh the depth chart. The Raiders waived backup running back Kenyan Drake, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason but failed to carve out a role—recording just 32 rushing yards on 12 carries and dropping two key passes. Drake’s release freed up a roster spot for rookie running back Brittain Brown, who was promoted from the practice squad after impressing in scout team drills. Brittain Brown, no relation to Trent, brings speed and pass-catching ability to the backfield, complementing Josh Jacobs’ downhill running style. The Raiders also waived defensive back Sam Webb, who struggled with coverage in limited snaps, and promoted cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the practice squad. Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick, played in 10 games as a rookie and recorded 18 tackles and two pass breakups. “These moves are about rewarding production and creating competition,” Ziegler explained. “Brittain and Jakorian have worked hard on the practice squad, and they deserve a chance to contribute. At this point in the season, every roster spot matters, and we want guys who can step up when called upon.”

Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders also spotlights the team’s activity on the practice squad, which has become a vital pipeline for depth players. The Raiders signed veteran linebacker Joe Schobert to the practice squad, adding a seasoned defender with 85 career starts and 718 tackles. Schobert, who has played for the Browns, Jaguars, Steelers, and Broncos, provides insurance at linebacker—an area where the Raiders have dealt with minor injuries to Denzel Perryman and Divine Deablo. The team also re-signed wide receiver DJ Turner to the practice squad, replacing receiver Tyron Johnson, who was signed off the Raiders’ practice squad by the New York Jets. Turner, who spent training camp with the Raiders, has speed and special teams experience, making him a valuable practice squad asset. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the practice squad isn’t just a place to stash young players—it’s a strategic tool to maintain depth and bring in veteran talent who can be promoted to the active roster quickly. “Our practice squad is an extension of our active roster,” said head coach Josh McDaniels. “Guys like Joe Schobert have been in big games, and they can teach our young players while being ready to play if we need them. It’s all about building a deep, versatile team.”

Another layer of Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders is the team’s handling of injured reserve and designated for return players. The Raiders activated defensive end Clelin Ferrell from injured reserve earlier this month, following a four-game absence with a hamstring injury. Ferrell, who returned to the Raiders midseason, has been a key rotational pass rusher, recording 1 sack and 4 quarterback pressures in three games. The team also placed backup center Hroniss Grasu on injured reserve with a knee injury, opening a spot for offensive lineman Jordan Meredith, who was promoted from the practice squad. The Raiders have used the injured reserve designation strategically this season, placing players on short-term IR to preserve their roster spots while allowing them to recover. “Injuries are part of the game, and how you manage them can make or break a season,” Ziegler said. “We’re careful about who we place on IR and when, because we want to keep our best players available as long as possible.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this approach has helped them maintain depth despite a wave of midseason injuries, ensuring they have viable replacements at nearly every position.

Transaction Wire Highlights Moves by the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the broader implications of these transactions and what they signal about the team’s playoff strategy. The Raiders’ recent moves—signing a veteran tackle, promoting young playmakers, adding practice squad depth—all point to a “win-now” mindset, as the team looks to capitalize on Kirk Cousins’ prime and the core talent on both sides of the ball. At the same time, the front office has avoided long-term contracts that could hinder cap flexibility, ensuring the team remains competitive beyond this season. “Every move we make is about putting ourselves in the best position to win now while keeping an eye on the future,” Ziegler said. “We’re not sacrificing long-term success for a short-term push, but we’re also not letting opportunities pass us by. This team has what it takes to make a playoff run, and our transactions reflect that confidence.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the transaction wire will likely remain active in the final weeks of the regular season, as the team looks to address any remaining gaps and fine-tune the roster for the postseason. As Raiders Nation watches the team’s playoff push unfold, these under-the-radar moves could prove to be the difference between a wildcard spot and a missed season—proving that success in the NFL often comes down to the front office’s ability to build depth and make smart, timely transactions.