Las Vegas Raiders just made a roster move, and head coach Klint Kubiak is all too familiar with the player
The Las Vegas Raiders had to make a roster move after one of their UDFAs was injured during Mandatory Minicamp.
The Las Vegas Raiders made a roster move during Mandatory Minicamp, replacing an injured player to strengthen their roster.
On Wednesday, the Raiders signed wide receiver Brandon Johnson, who was recently released by the Steelers. Johnson began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Broncos in 2022, where he played under then-passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak, who is now the rookie head coach for the Raiders, obviously. In a corresponding move, undrafted rookie WR Corey Rucker was placed on the Reserve/Injured list.
Who is the new Raiders WR, Brandon Johnson?
Johnson brings more experience than the other UDFAs on the roster. As a rookie in 2022, he played 7 games (1 start) with the Broncos, making 6 catches for 42 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2023, he appeared in 13 games (2 starts), catching 19 passes for 284 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns, including a 50-yard reception.
He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 and played in 3 games, catching 1 pass for 9 yards. Through his first three NFL seasons (23 games total), he has 26 receptions for 335 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Raiders have two potential openings at the bottom of their wide receiver roster, assuming they keep six WRs instead of five. It is unclear how the first-time staff will distribute roster spots by position. If they keep six WRs, Malik Benson and Dareke Young currently hold the final spots and are competing with UDFAs for positions.
Right now, in Mandatory Minicamp, the staff is getting an early look at some of these guys. By the time preseason games end, the Raiders have to be down to 53 players. They have plenty of very talented wide receivers to choose from. Now, Johnson is one of those, as the 6’2, 200-pound WR from UCF could turn some heads.