Raiders Sign 12 Reserve/Future Contracts, Set Sights on 2026 Roster Battles
Raiders Make Strategic Offseason Moves
The Las Vegas Raiders signed 12 players to Reserve/Future contracts Monday, securing a significant portion of their 2025 practice squad as potential roster candidates for next season. This move comes as the organization rebuilds following a disappointing 2025 campaign and the recent firing of head coach Pete Carroll. These reserve/future contracts allow the Raiders to maintain rights to these players throughout the offseason while their salaries count against next year's cap rather than the current season's limit.
Notable Signings and Player Profiles
The group includes linebacker Jamin Davis, a former first-round pick by the Commanders, and offensive lineman Laki Tasi from the International Player Pathway Program. Wide receiver Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, also joins the roster after recently signing to the practice squad. Additional signings include running back Chris Collier, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., and multiple offensive linemen, each bringing distinct development potential.
Path Forward
These 12 players will compete for spots on the final 53-man roster during the 2026 offseason, joining the 90-man roster. Their journey to earning permanent positions will be challenging, but each player demonstrated enough promise to warrant another opportunity with the Silver and Black.
```About the People Mentioned
Pete Carroll
Pete Carroll, born September 15, 1951, in San Francisco, California, is a veteran American football coach renowned for his success across college and professional levels.[1][6] He is one of only three coaches to win both a Super Bowl and a college football national championship, achieving the former with the Seattle Seahawks and the latter at the University of Southern California (USC).[1][2] Carroll's coaching career began in the NFL as defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills (1984) and Minnesota Vikings (1985-1989), followed by defensive coordinator roles with the New York Jets (1990-1993) and San Francisco 49ers (1995-1996).[1][3] He served as head coach for the Jets (1994, 6-10 record), New England Patriots (1997-1999, 27-21 record with two playoff appearances), and Seahawks (2010-2023, 137-89-1 record).[1][2][3] With Seattle, he also held the title of executive vice president of football operations, leading the team to its first Super Bowl victory in 2013 (43-8 over Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII), a Super Bowl appearance in 2014, and multiple division titles, including as the first 7-9 team to win one.[1][2][5] He became the Seahawks' all-time wins leader in 2018 and earned a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.[1] At USC (2001-2009), Carroll compiled a 97-19 record, secured seven straight Pac-10 titles (2002-2008), two national championships (2003-2004), and a 34-game winning streak, with 53 players drafted to the NFL, including 14 first-round picks.[1][3] Known for his inclusive leadership style, he was fired from the Seahawks on January 10, 2024.[1][2] As of 2025, Carroll serves as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing 170 career NFL head coaching wins and 18 seasons of experience to the role.[4]
Jamin Davis
Jamin Davis is a **professional football linebacker** born December 12, 1998, in Ludowici, Georgia.[1] Standing 6'4" and weighing 234 pounds, he currently plays for the **Las Vegas Raiders** of the National Football League.[1][6] Davis played college football at the University of Kentucky, where he appeared in 36 games with 11 starting assignments over three seasons.[2] As a senior in 2020, he established himself as a standout defender, recording 102 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks while earning first-team All-SEC honors from ProFootballFocus and second-team All-SEC recognition from Phil Steele.[2] He totaled 144 tackles across his college career along with 2.5 sacks and five interceptions.[2] The **Washington Football Team selected Davis in the first round (19th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft**, making him a highly touted prospect.[1] After signing his rookie contract in May 2021, Davis became a starting middle linebacker for Washington, eventually recording a team-leading 104 tackles during his first season.[1] Over his time with the Commanders, he appeared in multiple games and recorded 8.0 career sacks.[3] Davis's NFL career has involved significant movement between teams. After Washington declined his fifth-year contract option in April 2024, he was released midway through the season.[1] He subsequently signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad in October 2024, then joined the Minnesota Vikings in November 2024 before being released in December.[1] Davis was claimed by the New York Jets in late December 2024 and re-signed with them on a one-year contract in March 2025, though he was released in August 2025.[1] He has appeared in 54 career regular-season games.[3] Davis now serves as a depth piece for the Las Vegas Raiders, providing veteran experience to the linebacker room despite not fully meeting the expectations associated with his first-round draft status.
Laki Tasi
**Laki Tasi** is a Samoan-Australian American football player who currently plays as a Guard for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).[1] Born on October 24, 2003, Tasi was born in Samoa and grew up in Brisbane, Australia, where he spent most of his life playing rugby.[1][2] Tasi's path to professional football was unconventional. At age 12, he began playing rugby league for the Goodna Eagles before transitioning to rugby union in high school.[1] Around 2022, a family friend suggested he consider American football, but Tasi was initially uninterested.[1] The friend renewed the suggestion in 2024, and Tasi decided to pursue it.[1] He enrolled in the NFL Academy in Gold Coast, Queensland, and in December 2024, he was selected for the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program.[1] This program provided him with structured training at the NFL Asia Pacific Academy and later at IMG Academy in Florida.[1] Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 348 pounds, Tasi initially trained as a defensive lineman but was moved to the offensive line following his rookie minicamp with the Raiders in May 2025.[2] After going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2025.[1] He was waived on August 26, 2025, during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day.[1] Tasi's rapid development impressed Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.[2] His journey exemplifies the International Player Pathway program's goal of providing international athletes, particularly those from Pacific Island backgrounds, with direct routes to professional American football.[6] Despite lacking traditional football experience compared to his teammates, Tasi has demonstrated determination and adaptability in learning the complexities of his new sport.
Brenden Rice
Brenden Rice is an American football wide receiver, best known as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, and currently a free agent seeking to establish his professional career.[1][2][7] Born and raised in Chandler, Arizona, he excelled at Hamilton High School, recording 123 receptions for 2,139 yards and 27 touchdowns while playing as both a receiver and defensive back, earning All-Arizona First-Team honors and three-star recruit status.[1][2][5] Rice began his college career at the University of Colorado in 2020, where he had 27 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons, also contributing as a kick returner with 17 returns for 469 yards.[1][2] After entering the transfer portal in January 2022, he joined USC, thriving in his two seasons there with 76 receptions for 1,255 yards and 16 touchdowns.[1][2] His 2023 senior year was his strongest, leading the Trojans with 45 catches for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns—earning Second-Team All-Pac-12 recognition—and posting the team's highest average depth of target at 15.1 air yards per Pro Football Focus.[2] Declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Rice was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round (225th overall).[2][6] He stayed local in Southern California but faced limited opportunities, leading to his waiver by the Chargers.[3][6] Subsequently, he signed to the practice squads of the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks before becoming a free agent.[3] As of late 2025, Rice continues pursuing NFL roster spots, drawing attention for his lineage, size (6-2, 208 pounds), and production in key college games alongside quarterback Caleb Williams.[1][6][7] No major recent events are noted beyond practice squad transactions.
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice, born October 13, 1962, in Crawford, Mississippi, is a Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver widely regarded as the greatest player in NFL history.[1][2][3] After starring at Mississippi Valley State University, where he set college records with quarterback Willie Totten as the "Satellite Express," Rice was drafted 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 1985.[3][4] Primarily with the 49ers (1985-2000), he won three Super Bowl titles (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX), earning Super Bowl XXIII MVP honors with 215 receiving yards and a touchdown.[1][2][3] He later played three seasons with the Oakland Raiders (2001-2004), reaching Super Bowl XXXVII, and brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos before retiring in 2005 after 20 NFL seasons.[1][3][4] Rice holds numerous unbreakable NFL records, including 1,549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yards, 197 receiving touchdowns, 208 total touchdowns, and 14 1,000-yard seasons.[2][3][5][6] He led the league in receiving touchdowns six times, earned 13 Pro Bowl selections (an NFL record), and won the 1987 NFL MVP award amid a strike-shortened season with 22 touchdown catches.[2][3] Postseason marks include most playoff receptions and yards.[2] Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 on his first ballot, Rice was ranked No. 2 on The Sporting News' 1999 list of greatest players and No. 1 by NFL Network in 2010 and USA Today in 2019.[3] Known for legendary work ethic, he holds 38 career NFL records across regular season, postseason, Super Bowl, and Pro Bowl play.[3][4] Today, Rice remains a prominent figure in football, often cited for his enduring statistical dominance.[6]
Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.
Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., born April 25, 1998, in Springfield, Illinois, is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL.[1][2][4] Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 258 pounds, he is a veteran of six NFL seasons, known for his athleticism demonstrated by a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.[1][3][7] Okwuegbunam attended Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, where he played wide receiver before committing to the University of Missouri.[1] After redshirting in 2016, he emerged as a standout tight end, recording 29 receptions for 415 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2017.[1] He started in 2018 and, after a strong 2019 season, earned All-SEC honors twice during his college career, forgoing his senior year to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.[1][2] Selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round (118th overall), Okwuegbunam began his pro career there, spending three seasons primarily as a depth player and dealing with injuries.[1][2][3] He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and now the Raiders, showcasing his versatility across teams.[2][3][4] In recent play, he has recorded 5 receptions for 36 yards and 0 touchdowns with Las Vegas.[4] Of Nigerian descent, the son of Lisa and Albert Okwuegbunam, he maintains interests in fishing and sports beyond football.[2] As of the 2025 season, at age 27, he remains an active NFL contributor, entering his sixth year of professional experience.[3][6][7]
Chris Collier
Chris Collier is an American football running back currently associated with the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL.[2][8] Born around 2000 (age 25 as of 2025), he stands 5-10 tall and weighs 203 pounds, having played college football at the University of Lock Haven.[2][6] Collier's path to the pros began with a standout senior season at Lock Haven, where he broke school records, earned conference awards, and positioned himself for the NFL Draft.[6] Earlier, he appeared in games for Wagner College in spring 2021, leading the team with 83 rushing yards on 24 carries in his debut, and finishing the fall with 63 carries for 168 yards.[5] He entered the league with stints on the Baltimore Ravens (5 games in 2024, 10 returns for 221 yards) and Las Vegas Raiders (3 games in 2024, 2 returns for 65 yards averaging 32.5 yards).[7] In 2025, Collier spent the entire season on the Raiders' practice squad after not securing a spot on the 53-man roster following training camp, marking his second year of professional experience.[2][8] This reflects his ongoing pursuit of an active NFL role amid competition at running back. No major recent events are noted as of early 2026, though his youth and prior return skills keep him relevant for depth chart opportunities.[3][8] (Note: Other Chris Colliers exist, including a British film director known for a trilogy of edge-cinema stories, born in Brighton, England,[1] and a former Georgia State basketball player with eight pro seasons overseas.[4] This summary focuses on the NFL player due to prominence in current sports contexts.)[1][4]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and is headquartered in Henderson, Nevada. ### History Founded on January 30, 1960, the Raiders were originally based in Oakland, California. They began as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) and transitioned to the NFL with the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The team moved to Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 before returning to Oakland until 2019. In 2017, the NFL approved the Raiders' move to Las Vegas, and they officially relocated in 2020. ### Key Achievements The Raiders have had several notable achievements, including three Super Bowl victories (XI, XV, and XVIII). They have also appeared in numerous playoff games throughout their history. ### Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Raiders are currently ranked fourth in the AFC West with a 2-5 record. They are led by head coach Antonio Pierce and owned by Carol and Mark Davis. The team continues to evolve with new players and strategies, focusing on improving their performance in the competitive NFL landscape. ### Notable Aspects - **Stadium and Facilities**: Allegiant Stadium, their home venue, is a state-of-the-art facility known for its unique design and amenities. - **Draft and Roster**: Recent drafts have seen the selection of promising players like Decamerion Richardson and Tommy Eichenberg, who are expected to contribute to the team's defense. - **Community Engagement**: The Raiders are actively involved in local community initiatives, fostering a strong connection with Las Vegas residents. While the Raiders are not typically associated with business or technology news, their organizational structure and community engagement efforts make them a significant part of
Commanders
The **Washington Commanders** are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) East division. Established in 1932 as the Boston Braves, the franchise was renamed the Boston Redskins in 1933 and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1937, adopting the Washington Redskins name. In response to longstanding controversy over the Redskins name and logo, the franchise retired it in 2020, playing two seasons as the Washington Football Team before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022[1][2][3]. The Commanders’ home games are held at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, with headquarters and training facilities in Ashburn, Virginia. The team’s colors of burgundy and gold reflect its heritage. Throughout their history, the Commanders have played over 1,300 games, winning more than 600. They have secured two NFL championships (1937, 1942) and three Super Bowl titles (1983, 1988, 1992), marking them as one of the NFL’s historically successful franchises[1][3][5]. The franchise pioneered several NFL firsts, including the league’s first marching band (1937), first radio network (1944), and first fully televised season (1950). Notable figures include legendary quarterback Sammy Baugh, who set multiple passing records and led the team to early championships. The team has made 26 playoff appearances and won 14 division titles, demonstrating sustained competitiveness despite periods of struggle after 1999[1][3][5]. Currently owned by businessman Josh Harris since 2023, who purchased the franchise for $6.05 billion, the Commanders continue to evolve both on and off the field. The ownership group includes notable partners like Magic Johnson. Recent assessments indicate challenges in player facilities and management, though the strength coaching staff is highly regarded. The
International Player Pathway Program
The **International Player Pathway (IPP)** is an NFL initiative launched in 2017 to scout, train, and integrate elite athletes from outside the U.S. and Canada into professional American football, expanding the league's global talent pool and fanbase.[1][2][4] Historically, the program began as part of the NFL's globalization strategy, selecting players aged 24 or younger who haven't played U.S. college football, speak English, and meet travel eligibility. Participants undergo intensive 10-week training starting in January, often converting from sports like rugby or basketball.[1][2] By 2020, it had grown significantly, with 19 of 32 teams signing IPP players directly.[1] Key achievements include placing **70 international athletes** on NFL rosters since inception, with **22 active** as of recent reports. Standouts like Australia's **Jordan Mailata** (Philadelphia Eagles starting tackle), Germany's **Jakob Johnson** (fullback), UK's **Efe Obada**, Chile's **Sammis Reyes**, and newcomers like Ireland's **Charlie Smyth** showcase its impact.[2] Special roster rules—such as a 17th practice squad spot, exemptions, and up to three game elevations since 2024—facilitate transitions.[1][2] Currently thriving, the IPP welcomed its **Class of 2026** from nations including Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, offering paths via free agency, the 2026 NFL Draft, or exemptions.[2][3] One NFL team annually sponsors a player through waivers or practice squad, with all 32 teams accessing the extra spot.[1] Notably, IPP blends business savvy with tech-forward scouting, leveraging data analytics for cross-sport talent ID amid the NFL's $20B+ valuation push into international markets. This fusion of athletic conversion and roster innovation positions IPP as a blueprint for sports globalization, proving diverse backgrounds fuel elite performance.[1][2]
