Raiders coach gives perfect description of what one wildcard free agent acquisition can do in 2024
The Las Vegas Raiders made some splashy moves in free agency like signing one of the best defensive tackles in the league Christian Wilkins and bringing in a guy like Gardner Minshew to battle for the starting quarterback spot. But, they also made other smaller free agency moves that aren't getting the same amount of […]
The Las Vegas Raiders made some splashy moves in free agency like signing one of the best defensive tackles in the league Christian Wilkins and bringing in a guy like Gardner Minshew to battle for the starting quarterback spot. But, they also made other smaller free agency moves that aren't getting the same amount of attention, and rightfully so.
But they also added guys that can severely help their depth at various positions. One position group, or positions, is the offensive line, where they made a few moves. The one that isn't being talked about, is the signing of Andrus Peat, as we aren't really sure what he will be for this team in 2024.
But what we do know is that he has played some good football in his career with the New Orleans Saints. James Cregg, the offensive line coach for the Raiders, knows more about Peat than anyone else on the team and thinks Peat can really be a wildcard for the Raiders next season.
"It's funny with Andrus, I've known him since a high school kid and had a relationship with him, him and his family recruiting him," Cregg said earlier this week. "So, I sort of knew him all along and then they mentioned the fact of bringing him in here to add some depth, and you talk about a quality man to come in here and do it.
"Obviously, with Kolton dealing with his injury and I don't know – you guys can ask the trainers when he's going to be back and all that kind of stuff, but he's out there working and doing his deal – but to have him out there is an asset. He's understanding the system. Like I said with the technique part earlier, he's really catching on now. I think he can play out a tackle. I think he can play in space. I think he can play at guard. He's quite an asset for us right now. I'm really, really happy to have him."
With the additions of Cody Whitehair, who has played in Luke Getsy's system before, Jackson Powers-Johnson, who is expected to start, Dylan Parham being moved to right guard, and they drafted offensive lineman DJ Glaze in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, they do need some type of solution because they did lose Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor this offseason.
That's where Andrus is a wildcard because he can play inside or outside, but we still aren't sure if he is better than the guys on the team, or if he would have to be a big depth piece.
A to Z Sports' Adam Holt has covered the New Orleans Saints for years now and gave his opinion on Peat as a player now wearing silver and black rather than black and gold.
Peat surprised a lot of folks with his strong play at offensive tackle in 2023. He’s dealt with some injuries for the bulk of his career, but his play when healthy last season was some of the best we’d seen from the veteran. For Las Vegas, I’d advise them to work him as a tackle, not as a guard as New Orleans did for most of his NFL career until recently. Peat can be a starting OT for the Raiders & perform very well in the run game. His pass protection reps can be inconsistent, but he’s a better option than anything else in their building to play opposite Kolton Miller.
The Raiders have options when it comes to their offensive line, and that's not a bad thing at all. Now it's just about what is the right decision. When training camp comes around, we may see several battles all across the offensive line.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce reveals his plans for free agent acquisition Andrus Peat
The Raiders made a great signing.
