The Raiders gave a second-round contract tender to backup quarterback Matt McGloin, virtually ensuring the restricted free agent will play next season in Silver and Black.
He wasn’t the only one to receive that designation. The Raiders also gave cornerback Neiko Thorpe a second-round RFA tender, a source confirmed on Sunday.
USA Today first reported the news.
The tender will pay Thorpe $2.553 million if he signs and plays under that one-year contract. That seems likely, though the sides could work out a longer-term contract this offseason.
As with all tendered restricted free agents, Thorpe is free to explore the open market. The Raiders have the right to match any offer sheet, but would receive a second-round draft pick if they decline to do so. That should keep teams away from Thorpe and bring him back to the fray in 2016.
Thorpe played a career-high 464 defensive snaps last season, and was a core special teams player. On defense, Thorpe allowed 35 receptions on 62 targets for 424 yards and two touchdowns. He had an interception and three passes defensed.
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he fits the team’s preferred cornerback mold, and could be a solid reserve while helping anchor the team’s special teams coverage units.
The Raiders have tendered most of their restricted free agents. Here’s a list of the RFA tenders players have received:
Second-round tender ($2.553 million)
CB Neiko Thorpe
QB Matt McGloin
Original-round tender ($1.671 million)
OL Matt McCants
DL Benson Mayowa*
*reported via USA Today
