Raiders Add UDFAs, Eye Safety Justin Simmons

The Las Vegas Raiders, under new GM John Spytek and coach Pete Carroll, made 11 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft and are bolstering their roster with undrafted free agents, notably signing Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson and Illinois wide receiver Zakhari Franklin. Dotson, a former All-Big 12 standout, brings playmaking ability to a young cornerback group, while Franklin adds depth at receiver after productive collegiate seasons at UTSA. The Raiders also added depth at linebacker and defensive end with Baylor's Matt Jones and Minnesota's Jah Joyner. At quarterback, Las Vegas signed local dual-threat Hajj-Malik Williams from UNLV and drafted two late-round QBs, increasing competition behind starter Geno Smith. The team is now expected to pursue veteran safety Justin Simmons in free agency to address needs in the secondary. Separately, the Los Angeles Chargers signed former five-star quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei as a UDFA, with speculation he may switch to tight end.