A second member of the Raiders 2013 draft class abandoned silver and black for new colors on Friday. First-round pick DJ Hayden signed with Detroit in the morning.
Second-round selection Menelik Watson is headed for Denver. The right tackle agreed to terms on a three-year deal, a source told CSN California. The deal is worth up to $18 million, according to multiple reports.
Sources said this week the Raiders hoped to keep Watson in town. They liked his athleticism and his surly on-field demeanor, believing he could develop into a top tackle if he stayed healthy.
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Injuries hindered Watson’s career with the Raiders at most every turn. He missed significant portions of his rookie year with calf and knee injuries. He lost the 2015 season to an Achilles’ tendon tear after being named a starter in training camp and missed time last year with a groin strain.
Watson becomes the sixth member of the Raiders free agent class to sign elsewhere and creates a real possibility the entire 2013 draft class will be off the roster just four years later.
Only running back Latavius Murray and tight end Mychal Rivera are unbound and eligible to re-sign, though Rivera is expected to sign elsewhere.