The Las Vegas Raiders officially announced Monday they’ve brought in three new free agents: defensive end Patrick Johnson, linebacker Buddy Johnson, and wide receiver Deven Thompkins. These aren’t the splashy headlines, but these signings speak volumes about what Vegas is building, especially considering the eight free agents they worked out to get here.
Patrick Johnson Brings Veteran Edge Rush and Special Teams Prowess
Let’s talk about Patrick Johnson first. This guy’s coming into his sixth NFL season, which tells you he’s got staying power in this league, right? He spent 2025 with the Eagles, playing in nine games and putting up three tackles, a sack, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss. But don’t sleep on his special teams game, either, because he racked up five total tackles there. This isn’t some rookie; he’s played 70 career games, hitting the field for the Eagles from 2021-25 and even spent 2024 with the Giants. The Eagles drafted him in the seventh round, so he’s been grinding for a while. His career numbers include 14 tackles, a sack, six quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. That’s a solid, experienced depth piece for the D-line and a major special teams contributor.
Buddy Johnson’s Special Teams Grit and Deven Thompkins Add to Roster Mix
Then there’s linebacker Buddy Johnson, entering his fifth NFL season. This dude was a fourth-round pick for the Steelers back in 2021, so he definitely had some pedigree coming out. He’s bounced around a bit, playing 33 games for the Steelers in 2021, the Cowboys from 2023-25, and the Colts in 2025. On defense, he’s got four tackles and one tackle for loss, but just like Patrick, his real value shines on special teams. Buddy has an impressive 23 special teams tackles in his career. He even started last season on the Cowboys’ practice squad, showing that grit to stay in the league. It’s clear the Raiders are looking for players who can make an impact on those often-overlooked but absolutely critical special teams units. Rounding out these signings is wide receiver Deven Thompkins. The team confirmed they signed him, and while the details on his background aren’t as fleshed out in the announcement, getting another WR into the mix adds to that competition. Interestingly, running back Miles Sanders was among the eight free agents the Raiders worked out, but he wasn’t among those signed. So, they picked these three specifically out of a larger group of hopefuls.
So, what’s the takeaway here for Vegas? It’s all about adding depth, experience, and that special teams hustle. With guys like Patrick and Buddy, the Raiders are clearly beefing up those units that can swing games. These aren’t the huge blockbuster deals, but they’re the kind of moves that build a roster from the ground up. Keep an eye on how these guys fit into the Raiders’ rotation. It’s early in the NFL regular season, and every roster spot matters, especially when you’re looking for that competitive edge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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