John Spytek and the Las Vegas Raiders make a roster move for a kind of player that you can’t just find anywhere
The Las Vegas Raiders are in the business of having good football players, and they think Zack Kuntz could be that.
The Las Vegas Raiders signed tight end Zack Kuntz on Friday shortly after practice, adding a massive pass-catcher to an already deep tight end room. Kuntz, who stands 6’8 and weighs 251 pounds, worked out for the Raiders over the past few days before earning a deal. In a corresponding move, Las Vegas waived/injured running back Chris Collier.
Kuntz originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick, No. 220 overall, by the New York Jets in 2023. Despite being on a very bad team, he spent the majority of his first two seasons on the Jets’ practice squad but was elevated to the active roster for three weeks and played in two career games.
What makes Kuntz intriguing for the Raiders
The big thing about Kuntz that should intrigue both the Raiders and the entire fan base is his size. At 6’8 and 251 pounds, he brings a rare frame to the tight end position, especially for a team that needs a guy on the outside of the offensive line who can line up at tight end and block in the run game. The Raiders did not have that last year. They will need it this year for running backs Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr.
Kuntz played three seasons at Penn State from 2018 to 2020 before transferring to Old Dominion for his final two seasons in 2021 and 2022. He finished his college career with 88 receptions for 862 yards (a 9.8-yard average) and seven touchdowns in 39 career games. The stats coming out of college didn’t fully showcase what he can do in the run game.
Kuntz faces stiff competition in a loaded tight end room
Kuntz is going to fight for a roster spot in a pretty deep room. The Las Vegas Raiders obviously have the best tight end in football in Brock Bowers, and they might have one of the best second-string tight ends in football in Michael Mayer. After that, Ian Thomas is a decent run blocker who played a good bit for Las Vegas last year. Beyond Thomas, Carter Runyon, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Patrick Gurd round out the group.
The competition will be fierce, but the Raiders clearly believe Kuntz can make a legitimate push for a roster spot when it comes time to cut down from 90 to 53. If he doesn’t crack the active roster, he could end up on the practice squad.
Collier waived in corresponding move
As for Collier, the former undrafted free agent had been with the Raiders the last few years and struggled to make the roster, bouncing on and off the practice squad. He also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens. Collier had eight career games, five career rushing attempts, and 12 career rushing yards under his belt.
The Raiders let him go to make room for Kuntz, a player they think could provide something this roster has lacked. Whether he earns one of those final spots or lands on the practice squad, his size alone makes him worth monitoring throughout the rest of camp.