The actual process of players putting pen to paper is a formality during free agency as deals have already been reported for several days.
That wasn’t necessarily the case for the Raiders on Wednesday.
A day after the Baltimore Ravens pulled the rug out from under the Raiders by backing out of a massive trade that would have altered the offseason plan, there was at least some speculation about whether some agreements would be revisited.
The Raiders’ other trades went through without a hitch, however.
Former starting quarterback Geno Smith was sent to the Jets and cornerback Taron Johnson was acquired from the Bills in a pair of pick swaps. Both were routinely processed shortly after the 1 p.m. start to the new league year, if there is a such thing as routine in a post-Crosby trade world.
The Raiders also were able to get an early start to the day by officially signing kicker Matt Gay, who had been released in December and wasn’t on a roster to end the season. Edge defender Malcolm Koonce also was able to sign early because he was already on the roster.
Only one of the outside free agents officially had signed by the end of the day with several more expected in the building Thursday.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean, who spent his first four seasons in Philadelphia, officially signed his contract late Wednesday.
Former Raiders land deals
A pair of former Raiders agreed to terms with different teams Wednesday.
Dylan Parham, who has made 63 starts at guard in his four seasons with the Raiders, agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with the Jets. And veteran defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr. plans to sign with the Dolphins after one year with the Raiders.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
