KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Raiders sign wave of undrafted free agents after 2026 NFL Draft concludes
- Roman Hemby (RB) and EJ Williams (WR) reunite with Mendoza from Indiana
- Three QBs added: Jacob Clark (Missouri State), Sawyer Robertson (Baylor) join competition
- Kansei Matsuzawa (K, Hawai’i) brings special teams competition
- Smart depth moves target “grit and youth” for 90-man roster battle
With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, the Las Vegas Raiders have wasted no time bolstering their roster through undrafted free agency. While the draft was headlined by the addition of quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, General Manager John Spytek and his staff are already looking to add competition and depth across the board.
The early wave of signings features a heavy emphasis on reuniting Mendoza with some familiar faces, as well as taking high-upside fliers on productive small-school talents.
Key Additions to the Silver & Black
The Raiders have prioritized playmakers who can compete for a spot on the 90-man roster this summer. Here are the standout names among the initial UDFA signings:
- Jacob Clark, QB (Missouri State): A towering 6-foot-5 presence who mirrors Mendoza’s stature. Clark threw for 28 touchdowns last season and brings significant arm talent to a quarterback room that now looks very different than it did a week ago.
- Sawyer Robertson, QB (Baylor): Another arm for the competition. Robertson is a former high-profile recruit with starting experience in the Big 12.
- Roman Hemby, RB (Indiana): Perhaps the most intriguing signing. A teammate of Mendoza at Indiana, Hemby was a vital part of the Hoosiers’ championship run. Many experts had a mid-round grade on him, making his addition a potential “steal” for the Raiders’ backfield.
- EJ Williams, WR (Indiana): Keeping the Indiana connection alive, Williams hauled in six touchdowns from Mendoza last season. That existing chemistry could give him a leg up during training camp.
- Kansei Matsuzawa, K (Hawai’i): Special teams competition is always a priority, and Matsuzawa brings a strong leg from the islands to push the incumbents.
WALK THE PLANK
While the draft picks get the jersey presentations and the headlines, undrafted free agency is where roster depth is truly built. Bringing in Hemby and Williams – two guys who already have a shorthand with Mendoza – is a savvy move by the front office to ease the transition for their new franchise QB. Whether these players stick on the active roster or become practice squad developmental projects, the Raiders are clearly looking for “grit and youth” to fill out this new-look squad.
