Antonio Pierce just make a good contract deal with a top star
Andre James, a senior center with five years of experience, inked a new deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. James, a former undrafted free agent, played with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders his whole professional career.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Andre James Agree to a Contract
After his best season as a professional, James hits free agency. During the last year of his contract, Andre James started and made appearances in 16 games, recording a career-best 74.6 PFF grade. Out of 36 qualified players, he was the ninth-best center in the league according to that metric. The Raiders themselves had a rough start, but after dismissing head coach Josh McDaniels, they were able to turn things around. Despite starting rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell, the team struggled to a 5-4 record under head coach Antonio Pierce, who was acting as an interim.
After the 2019 NFL Draft, Andre James was drafted into the league as an undrafted free agent. When he signed with the Raiders of Las Vegas, the UCLA graduate appeared to be an undrafted free agent at the beginning of his career. Although James had to temporarily replace Rodney Hudson, he spent the most of his rookie campaign on the bench. During the game, the rookie’s PFF grade was a disappointing 23.4.
James played in just one offensive snap in 2020, demonstrating that his sluggish start did not get any better. Despite making 16 appearances, he spent the majority of his time on special teams. Nevertheless, in March 2021, the Raiders gave Andre James a three-year contract, demonstrating their belief in him.
James gave an instant defense for that signing. The previously undrafted free agent showed that he belonged in the NFL by starting all 17 games. The Raiders had an unexpected postseason run, and the UCLA product ended 20th in PFF grade. James proved to be dependable in 2022 despite the team’s struggles; he ended the year with a 62.8 PFF grade.
Andre James has made 49 starts in 76 games since signing his rookie contract.
