The 2016 NFL New Year officially kicked off Wednesday, and with it, so did free agency.
General Manager Reggie McKenzie and the Oakland Raiders have been busy the past few days adding key pieces to the roster on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
It's been an exciting week for the Silver and Black, on multiple fronts. Let's get you caught up on the week that was.
The Raiders' Offensive Line Bulks Up
Head Coach Jack Del Rio said during the NFL Combine that the Raiders were going to run the football better in 2016, and that commitment received a boost Thursday as the team signed offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele.
Osemele joins the Silver and Black after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, and in addition to being a mauler in the run game, the imposing lineman is also an avid reader.
Raiders Poach Division Rival
After spending the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, cornerback Sean Smith signed with the Silver and Black Thursday.
Smith provides some much-needed assistance in the Raiders’ secondary – a position group that Del Rio said would be addressed in both free agency and the Draft.
In his 108 career games, Smith has totaled 350 tackles (308 solo), 10 interceptions, 80 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Bruce Irvin Reunites With Former Coach In Oakland
The third free agent that the Silver and Black inked this week was versatile linebacker Bruce Irvin, and he's a familiar face for defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr.
Norton served as Irvin’s linebackers coach for his first three years in the league, and during their time together the pair won Super Bowl XLVIII.
Silver And Black Earning High Marks In Free Agency
With the start of free agency, and the Raiders have been one of the more active teams around the league.
They've made a trio of quality moves, and people around the league are taking notice of the Silver and Black.
You can check out some of the social media reaction, here.
Raiders In The Community
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The Bay Area All-Star Scholarships will be awarded to seven successful students residing within the Bay Area's nine counties. This year's scholarship winner is Michelle Larsen from Petaluma High School in Petaluma.
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