Raiders sign TE Paul Butler, re-sign kicker Daniel Carlson
The Raiders added to their tight end position on Thursday with the addition of Paul Butler, who they claimed off waivers after he was released by the Detroit Lions earlier this week. The Lions had signed Butler to a futures contract at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
The Raiders now have six tight ends on the roster — Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, Jason Witten, Derek Carrier, Nick O’Leary and Butler.
Butler’s addition was one of a flurry of transactions for the Raiders. They also re-signed free agents Daniel Carlson (K), Nathan Peterman (QB), David Sharpe (OT), D.J. Killings (DB) and safety Dallin Leavitt.
Butler spent parts of the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Raiders, primarily on the practice squad.
After playing well upon being claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 then getting off to a good start in 2019, Carlson struggled over the second half of the season and ended up making 19 of his 26 field-goal attempts.
During his struggles, Raiders coach Jon Gruden gave him a vote of confidence.
“We are going to see this kid kick himself out of it,” Gruden said. “This is a great kid, he’s got a great amount of talent. I saw him hit 15 in a row last year and I got a lot of faith in this guy. I really do. He’s going to kick himself out of it or I’ll be very disappointed.”
Peterman spent all of 2019 on injured reserve. Sharpe started two games at right tackle for the Raiders last year to earn the praise of the Raiders as a dependable reserve player.
Both were restricted free agents who were tendered at their original draft round value and will make $2.133 million. The deadline to sign offer sheets with other teams is Friday, but both opted to sign their tenders with the Raiders one day before the deadline.
Carlson, Killings and Leavitt were all exclusive rights free agents who were offered tenders by the Raiders.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore onTwitter
