The Raiders have added two new players to provide some depth as they head into mini camps in former Seahawks TE John Owens and journeyman DB Joey Thomas. As reported on the Raiders.com transaction page.
John Owens spent 7 season with the Seahawks as their primary blocking tight end. He was released about a month ago in favor of the Seahawks newly acquired TE Chris Baker. Owens never had more than eight catches in a season so him impact will most likely be in competition with Brandon Myers for the final roster spot at tight end. Although, if he plays well, he could challenge Tony Stewart to back up Zach Miller.
Joey Thomas was originally a 2004 round three draft pick by the Green Bay Packers out of Montana State. He didn’t last through his second season in the NFL as he was released in November of ‘05. Since then he has jumped around from the Saints to the Edmonton Eskimos, and most recently spent the last two seasons in Miami with the Dolphins. He also tried out for the Dallas Cowboys in 2007 before joining the Eskimos of the CFL. The Raiders are still in need of some depth at corner so he has a decent shot at making the team. If nothing else, he provides a much needed body to get through training camp.
The Raiders have brought in former Charger RB Michael Bennett on a tryout basis. Running back is also a position that needs some depth and insurance players. Michael Bush and Darren McFadden are the only holdovers at the running back position from last season on the team. The only other running backs that have been brought in are UDFA rookie Andre Anderson and former Redskin, Rock Cartwright. If Bennett still has his speed, he has a good shot at being signed to the training camp roster.
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