Jon Gruden loves him a tight end who can block. He also loves formations with extra tight ends.
The Raiders’ latest move lends itself to both with Oakland planning to re-sign Lee Smith to a three-year deal, a source told the Bay Area News Group. Smith was Oakland’s best blocking tight end in 2017, and his re-signing comes a day after a source told the Bay Area News Group the Raiders will sign blocking tight end Derek Carrier to a three-year deal as well.
“You need a blocking tight end if you’re going to slam the ball with a beast,” Gruden said at this year’s combine, referring to the line of protection in front of running back Marshawn Lynch.