Las Vegas Raiders

Kenyan Drake signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, with $8.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. For context, Drake's average annual salary is the 13th-highest at his position. The RB recently alluded to having a big role in the Raiders' offense, saying, "I'm definitely excited to see how our roles continue to develop with obviously Josh [Jacobs] being the main guy to do what he needs to do because I have much respect and love for him and his game and what coach [Jon] Gruden has planned for us in that specific capacity. But I feel like I might have a big role in this offense. With them being a top 10 offense last year, the sky is the limit for us. I'm ready to see us take it to the next level." (Source: NFL.com)

Fantasy Impact: With Jacobs locked into the early-down runner role for the Raiders, Drake's big role has to come as a pass-catcher. Here's a fun fact: Drake's totaled 1,000-plus scrimmage yards each of the past three seasons. Last season, the RB nearly eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards but in the two prior seasons, Drake totaled at least 65-plus targets, 50-plus receptions, and 345 receiving yards. Darren Waller's the clear No. 1 in the pass-catching pecking order, but Drake just has to compete with Hunter Renfrow [7.3-yard average target distance] for short, high-percentage targets. Henry Ruggs [17.4], Bryan Edwards [9.8], and newly-signed John Brown [12.9] project for deeper targets based on prior usage.

Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur of The Athletic report the Raiders have high expectations for Bryan Edwards and believe he can be a true "X" receiver. (Source: The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Edwards was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. The former Gamecock fell in the draft due to a foot injury during the combine. He entered the draft with a 94th-percentile college dominator rating and a 100th-percentile breakout age. As a senior, he racked up 71 catches for 816 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. The lingering foot issue combined with an atypical offseason led to a disappointing rookie season, but there is still a lot to like about the sophomore's game. Henry Ruggs, John Brown, and Hunter Renfrow are all under 6-foot tall, which gives Edwards an opportunity to man the "X" receiver spot in the Raiders' offense. Ruggs had a disappointing rookie season himself, which presents an opportunity for Edwards to be the No. 2 passing weapon behind Darren Waller. He presents with some upside as a late-round dart throw and should still be considered as a dynasty asset.

Vic Tafur of The Athletic believes Raiders TE Darren Waller will top last season's 1,196 receiving yards "as he continues to get better." (Source: The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Tafur notes that the Raiders are insistent that Henry Ruggs III helped the offense by taking the top off opposing defenses last year. It stands to reason that this opened things up for Waller in the middle of the field. Still learning the nuances tight end position, it isn't out of the question that Waller continues to improve in 2021. He's a no-brainer top-three tight end in fantasy leagues. Many analysts see him as the clear-cut No. 2 option behind only Travis Kelce.

Raiders HC Jon Gruden says WR Henry Ruggs looks much better than last season and wants to get him more involved. (Source: Vic Tafur on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ruggs was the first WR taken in the 2020 draft over CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and Justin Jefferson. This was a very questionable move looking back at this pick. Ruggs only caught 26 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns on the season. This is a positive report though, and hopefully he can be used more in the slot, where he excels. He could be a nice sleeper this season if they plan on getting him the ball more.

OT Alex Leatherwood, the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has officially signed his rookie deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. (Source: Las Vegas Raiders on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Leatherwood is yet another dominant, big-bodied tackle to get drafted out of the University of Alabama. The Raiders traded away former Pro-Bowl C Rodney Hudson to Arizona this offseason but Leatherwood's signing should help protect Derek Carr against edge rushers despite a lackluster interior offensive line. The 6'5", 312-pound tackle will also be pivotal in sealing run blocks to allow Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake to produce throughout the 2021 season.

The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a deal with free agent defensive back Casey Hayward. (Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Hayward reunites with Gus Bradley, who was his defensive coordinator with the Chargers. He is looking to bounce back after a somewhat disappointing 2020 season where he did not play 16 games for the first time since 2013. This appears to be a low risk/high reward type of situation for both sides in this deal.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Las Vegas Raiders are really doing their homework on the top quarterbacks in this draft, and could potentially be a dark horse trade up candidate to take one of the top QBs. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: These rumors muddy the water for Derek Carr's future in Las Vegas. The Raiders could be a very interesting landing spot for a player like Trey Lance or Mac Jones, and we shouldn't rule out a crazy trade up by Gruden and company. Keep an eye on Las Vegas in the days leading up to the NFL Draft.

Las Vegas Raiders LT Kolton Miller has agreed to a three-year extension with the team worth $18 million a year. The deal includes $42.6 million guaranteed and goes through 2025, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. (Source: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The former No. 15 overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft receives an extension, which includes the final year of his rookie deal and a fifth-year team option. The 25-year-old has improved each season in the league and this extension could end up looking like a bargain in a few years if he continues to get better.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting that QB Marcus Mariota will sign a reworked contract to stay with the Raiders. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Mariota is expected to sign a one-year, $3.5 million contract to stay in Las Vegas. He can make up to $8 million in incentives. The 27-year-old appeared in one game for the Raiders in 2020, completing 17-of-24 passes for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Mariota will once again serve as the Raiders backup QB behind Derek Carr in 2021.

RB Theo Riddick is re-signing with the Raiders for one-year, $50k guaranteed. (Source: Field Yates on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Raiders signed both Riddick and Kenyan Drake today, likely solidifying their running back room as they had into the 2021 season. Josh Jacobs is still expected to be the lead back, but Drake (2-year, $14.5M deal) will certainly be involved in the offense. Riddick will be more of an insurance policy for the Raiders.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Raiders are re-signing TE Derek Carrier to a one-year contract. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: This will be Carrier's fourth season with the Raiders. He isn't expected to make a fantasy impact playing behind Darren Waller.

The Raiders re-signed WR Zay Jones to a one-year deal. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Jones appeared in all 16 games for the Raiders in 2020, hauling in 14 receptions on 19 targets for 154 yards and one touchdown. He’ll most likely be the Raiders WR4 on the depth chart behind Henry Ruggs, John Brown and Hunter Renfrow. Jones will continue to have a minimal role in the Raiders offense and won’t provide much fantasy value in 2021.

Former Las Vegas Raiders C Rodney Hudson has officially been traded to the Arizona Cardinals, per Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Hudson is a former All-Pro C for the Raiders who will be an immediate upgrade on the Cardinals' offensive line in 2021. The 32-year old three-time Pro Bowler was traded in exchange for a third-round pick and the Raiders' seventh-round pick in the upcoming 2021 draft. He played all 16 games for the Raiders in 2020 and went without a single penalty, bringing immense value due to his durability and discipline.

According to sources, RFA LB Nicholas Morrow is reportedly re-signing with the Las Vegas Raiders on a new deal. (Source: Vic Tafur on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Raiders were able to lock up one of their promising linebackers before he hit the free-agent market on Wednesday. Morrow went undrafted in the 2017 draft and played well for the Raiders last season, registering 78 tackles with three sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble across 11 games. He played last season as a restricted free-agent and now he's earned his first significant contract.

The Browns are signing edge-rusher Takkarist McKinley to a one-year deal with a $4.25 million base. The deal can max out at $6 million. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: McKinley spent nearly four years with the Falcons from 2017 to 2020. In 49 games with Atlanta, he made 79 tackles and 17.5 sacks while forcing two fumbles. Four games into the 2020 season, Atlanta cut McKinley. He spent time as a member of the Bengals, Raiders, and 49ers but never saw the field due to injuries. The former first-round pick will look to put his defensive talent on display while complementing Myles Garrett in Cleveland.

RB Devontae Booker and the Giants have agreed on a two-year, $6 million contract. (Source: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Booker agrees to a two-year deal with the Giants and is expected to back up star RB Saquon Barkley. He ran the ball 93 times for 423 yards, while hauling in 17 receptions for 84 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. Booker will provide the Giants a pass-catching threat and is expected complement Barkley in New York’s backfield in 2021.

Former Raiders WR Nelson Agholor has agreed to terms on a two-year, $26M deal with the New England Patriots. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Check back shortly for the fantasy impact.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Texans and DL Maliek Collins have agreed to terms on a 1-year, $6 million contract. (Source: Ian rapoport of NFL Network)

Fantasy Impact: Another veteran signing for the Texans as the continue to try and put together a defense. The moves pile up as a strong indication they are pushing to re-earn the trust of star QB Deshaun Watson. Last season, Collins recorded just 15 tackles with the Raiders in a down year.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Raiders and LB Cory Littleton agreed to work the veteran linebackers deal that will save the team $4.4 million against the cap. (Source: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network)

Fantasy Impact: The salary cap moves continue for the Raiders as on Friday morning the team agreed to restructure the contracts of veteran linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. The moves will save the team a little over $7.1 million against the cap.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Raiders and LB Nick Kwiatkoski agree to a restructured contract that will save the team $2.7 million against the cap. (Source: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network)

Fantasy Impact: Another move for the Raiders. After releasing four veteran starters from last season, the Raiders agreed to rework the contract of Kwiatkoski, the move will help save the team a veteran starter and $2.7 million against the cap. The LB recorded 81 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception in 12 games started last season.