The Las Vegas Raiders are quietly building for the future, and it all starts with these crucial reserve/futures signings! These aren't your everyday free agents; they're the players who finished the season on the practice squad or were otherwise unsigned, and the Raiders are giving them a shot to prove their worth. It's a smart move, injecting fresh talent and competition into the team. But here's where it gets interesting: these contracts are often a glimpse into the next wave of NFL talent.
Let's dive into some of these intriguing signings and see who might be making some noise in 2026:
RB Chris Collier
After a stint with the Ravens, Chris Collier joined the Raiders in 2024. He's spent time on the active roster and the practice squad, showing flashes of potential. With a speedy 4.43 40-yard dash, Collier has already put up 154 rushing yards and 22 receiving yards in preseason action. With the Raiders' running back room looking a bit thin for next season, featuring only Ashton Jeanty and Dylan Laube, Collier could definitely be a player to watch.
WR Brendan Rice
Talk about a legacy! Brenden Rice, son of the legendary Jerry Rice, is a towering 6'3", 215 pounds and boasts a respectable 4.50 40-yard dash. He's aiming to bolster the Raiders' wide receiver corps in 2026. In preseason, he's snagged 4 receptions for 43 yards with only one drop. While he's a solid route runner with a good build, he sometimes struggles to maintain his strength through routes. The Raiders definitely need more depth at receiver, and Rice is poised to compete for a spot.
WR Phillip Dorsett II
At 33 years old, Phillip Dorsett II is looking to earn another spot on the roster after spending the 2025 season on the practice squad. A former first-round pick by the Colts, Dorsett hasn't played in a regular-season game since 2023. His career stats include 151 receptions, 2001 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He'll likely face stiff competition, but he offers valuable depth for the Raiders.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.
This former fourth-round pick from the Broncos in 2020 is an absolute athletic marvel. Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. stands at 6'5", 260 pounds and clocks in with a blazing 4.49 40-yard dash and a 1.56 10-yard split, even hitting 22 miles per hour. He's already contributed 5 receptions for 36 yards for the Raiders in a game against the Colts. While he's a capable blocker, his true strength lies in working from the slot or as an H-back. The Raiders have solid tight end depth with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, but Okwuegbunam, at just 27 years old, has the potential to recapture his 2021 form where he amassed 330 yards and 2 touchdowns. Keep an eye on him!
T Joshua Miles
Joshua Miles, at 30 years old, brings a veteran presence to the offensive line. While he's only played 24 career snaps, he's been a valuable practice player, logging 703 preseason snaps at both left and right tackle. He's allowed 5 sacks and 27 pressures in those preseason games. Given the Raiders' current tackle situation with Kolton Miller, Charles Grant, DJ Glaze, and Dalton Wagner, Miles is likely to be an offseason depth option.
T Dalton Wagner
Dalton Wagner has been a name to watch since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2023, largely due to his imposing 6'8", 320-pound frame. In 250 career preseason snaps over three seasons, the 27-year-old has allowed just one sack and 8 pressures, primarily at right tackle. He saw his first regular-season action in 2025, albeit for just 2 snaps. The Raiders have consistently brought Wagner back, and he might have a shot at a depth offensive line position in 2026.
IOL Layden Robinson
This former Patriots fourth-round pick in 2024, Layden Robinson, is 6'4", 315 pounds and has played 602 career regular-season snaps at both guard positions. The knock on Robinson coming out of Texas A&M was his rawness, and he was likely drafted a bit early. In 2024, he allowed 4 sacks, 7 hits, and 33 pressures with 5 penalties on a struggling Patriots offensive line. However, he's young, possesses good size and athletic traits, making him a high-upside depth piece who needs development to become a solid backup.
IOL Laki Tasi
Get ready for Laki Tasi, a former Australian rugby player and a fan favorite! At a massive 6'6", 375 pounds, this 22-year-old is an incredible athlete with immense strength. He's seen as a versatile OL/DL/FB hybrid. The Raiders' 2025 international player pathway signing could find a legitimate spot in 2026 with continued development, or he'll likely remain on the practice squad with exempt status. Tasi played 30 preseason snaps, allowing one sack and two pressures. While his technique and pass protection are raw, his run blocking is refined. He's definitely one to watch as the Raiders nurture this international prospect.
IOL McClendon Curtis
McClendon Curtis is back with the Raiders after stints with the Seahawks and Cardinals. This 6'6", 325-pound guard hasn't played in any regular-season games, but in 173 preseason snaps, he's allowed 1 sack and 8 pressures at both tackle and guard. Curtis was once considered a potential top-100 pick, and while his career has taken a different path, he offers versatility. He'll need a strong showing this offseason and preseason to sneak onto the roster.
DT Treven Ma’ae
Treven Ma’ae, a 2025 UDFA signing, showed promise as a pass rusher in the preseason but needs to improve his run defense, pad level, and overall strength. This 6'5", 290-pound defensive tackle from Baylor recorded 5 pressures, a sack, 3 tackles for loss, 2 hits, and 2 stops in just 55 preseason snaps. His impressive 18.8% pass rush win rate was second only to fellow Raider Tonka Hemingway. Ma’ae's versatility as a 2, 3, and 5 technique could help him earn a spot on the Raiders' defense in 2026.
LB Jamin Davis
Jamin Davis, the 19th overall pick in 2021 by the Commanders, brings significant experience. At just 27 years old and 6'3", 235 pounds, he has 2279 career snaps and 37 starts under his belt, with 290 tackles, 22 TFL, 11 QB hits, 8 sacks, 6 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. The Raiders signed Davis to play a hybrid end/linebacker role, similar to his previous position in Washington. With the Raiders lacking depth on both the defensive line and at linebacker, Davis has a real opportunity to secure a roster spot in 2026.
Players on the Practice Squad Not Signed to Reserve/Futures Contracts:
- WR DJ Turner
- DL Boogie Basham
- SAF Brandon Hill
- LS Luke Elkin
And this is the part most people miss: These reserve/futures contracts are a low-risk, high-reward strategy for teams. They get to evaluate talent without taking up valuable active roster spots. But the real question is, which of these players will actually break through and become a key contributor for the Raiders? Do you think the Raiders are making the right moves here, or are some of these signings a bit of a long shot? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
