The Raiders strengthened their hold on three restricted free agents. The Silver and Black gave linebacker Nicholas Morrow a second-round contract tender and placed an original-round tenders on quarterback Nathan Peterman and offensive tackle David Sharpe.
Morrow would be due $3.2 million and Peterman would be set to make $2.1 million if they make the initial first 53-man roster.
The deals are not otherwise guaranteed.
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Other teams can negotiate with the Raiders' restricted free agents and sign them to offer sheets, but the Raiders have a right to match. Peterman was a fifth-round draft pick, so they would receive a selection in that round if they choose to let the signal-caller sign with another team. Offensive tackle David Sharpe was a fourth-round pick, so the Raiders would get a selection in that round if Sharpe was lured elsewhere.
As Morrow's tender suggests, the Raiders would be due a second-round pick if they didn't match Morrow's deal. That essentially locks the undrafted coverage linebacker to the Raiders, where he should be the porimary back in the middle and on the weak side.
The Raiders respect both young players. Peterman was coach Jon Gruden’s pet project and showed practice development before an elbow injury ended his season just before the 2019 regular season began.
Peterman will be back to compete with the quarterbacks on the roster and should battle for a backup job. He could be a trade chip if he has a solid preseason but doesn’t fit on the depth chart. He can be cut if it doesn’t work out.
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Morrow has proven a solid reserve in recent seasons and has taken primary roles due to injured starters. He had 73 tackles in 16 games played with eight starts.