Yet another Ex-Patriot coming to Las Vegas, plus former Dolphin
As we were saying.
The run on former New England Patriots players is on for the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, it’s fullback Jakob Johnson who is heading west to join head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler with the Raiders, according to ESPN.
Former Patriots’ fullback Jakob Johnson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Raiders, per @DrewJRosenhaus and @NFLrecord. Rejoins Raiders’ HC Josh McDaniels.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2022
Keeping a torrid pace, the Raiders also are signing former Miami receiver and special teamer Mack Hollins.
Former Dolphins’ WR/ST’er Mack Hollins is expected to finalize a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, per source.
This past season, Hollins led Miami in yards per catch, special teams tackles, and was second with four receiving touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/9mKhr0Np5j
— Taylor Vippolis (@tvippolis) March 16, 2022
Johnson joined fellow former New England players, pass-rusher Chandler Jones and third-down running back Brandon Bolden to join McDaniels and Ziegler in Las Vegas. Like Bolden, Johnson’s arrival in Las Vegas is not surprising. In fact, it was expected.
When he and former Raiders’ fullback Alec Ingold were both non-tendered as restricted free agents and were made unrestricted last week, this move seemed likely. Wednesday afternoon, Ingold, who was the Raiders’ special teams captain and who was immensely popular in the locker room, signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Yet, McDaniels loves his fullbacks to block and Johnson is a stout blocker. So, it is a system fit. Johnson played in all 17 games last season for the Patriots and had four receptions and no catches.
Meanwhile, Hollins will likely be a rotational receiver as well as a special team contributor. He is a big receiver at 6-4, 221 pounds. He has never had more than 16 catches in four NFL seasons.