Justin

Miller

Miller, a second-round pick by the Jets in 2005, is an above-average return man and can play some corner. He returned two kicks for touchdowns for the Raiders last season. He’ll probably find a special teams job somewhere.

Miller, 25, was on the roster for just one game, averaging 17 yards per kick returner on six tries. The transaction may have been made to clear room for free agent OT Langston Walker, who the Raiders tried out on Tuesday.

He will replace Johnathan Holland on kickoff returns. Miller isn’t much of an option on defense, leaving the Raiders with just three capable corners.

Howard tweeted “RaiderNation let’s welcome back #22 Justin Miller. He’ll be returning KickOffs for us this week.” Miller was released by the the Raiders at final cuts.

Miller was a hot commodity on waivers because he can be an explosive return man, but Oakland shouldn’t be hoping he can cover anyone. That probably means he’ll immediately join the starting lineup at cornerback. Miller is under contract for $520,000 this year and will be a free agent in March.

Safety Tyvon Branch will return from injury to provide depth in the secondary. Miller is still an explosive enough kickoff returner to find a special teams job.

He would be a natural replacement for Chris Carr, who is shopping himself around the league. Miller can return kicks and be a deep backup at corner.

Miller, a sub-package corner with Pro Bowl-caliber return value, signed the deal weeks ago. Oakland is oddly not announcing transactions this spring.

On a positive note, Higgins will take on a larger offensive role following Javon Walker’s season-ending ankle injury. He’s still not worth a roster spot in redraft leagues.

Miller was picked on in the preseason after a reportedly poor training camp. He’ll also be counted on to return punts this year.