Defensive end Shilique Calhoun has signed with the Raiders, which leaves them with all seven of their 2016 draft picks under contract.
The third-round linebacker agreed to a four-year deal with the team to cross out one item on the team’s to-do list before they get to training camp next month. Calhoun called it “a weight lifted off my shoulders” in a video on the team’s website.
Calhoun had 27 sacks at Michigan State, where he played with Raiders rookie QB Connor Cook, and made the All-Big Ten team three times during his time at East Lansing. If he can show the same kind of pass rushing ability in the pros, he should be able to find a role in the defense in Oakland.
For now, though, he profiles as a backup to Bruce Irvin at linebacker on a Raiders defense that added several pieces this offseason.
