The Raiders kept attacking free agency on Monday with the addition of a linebacker and special teamer who spent the last three seasons with the Rams.
The team announced that they have signed Daren Bates. Bates signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and has appeared in 44 of their 48 games since joining the team.
Much of Bates’ work has come on special teams and he served as a captain of those units with the Rams last season. He had 24 special teams tackles, recovered a fumbled kickoff for a touchdown and blocked a field goal against the Giants in 2014.
That last play is one worth checking out if you haven’t seen it before as it featured Bates leaping over the Giants’ blockers to redirect Josh Brown’s kick. The Raiders will surely welcome any additions to the highlight reel from Bates come next season, although it might be tough for him to pull off the same trick twice.
