Raiders sign veteran linebacker Blake Martinez
The Raiders are short on linebackers after losing Denzel Perryman to a concussion in Week 4. So, it's not a surprise to see them add a veteran to the unit with a big game against the Chiefs up next on the schedule.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Score, the Raiders are signing former New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez to a one-year deal. He'll be reunited with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who he played with in New York.
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The Raiders confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon.
The Giants restructured Martinez's deal this offseason but decided to waive him before Week 1. He missed most of the 2021 season with an injury, but he is one of the league's most reliable and consistent tacklers.
Martinez started three games for the Giants last season. He recorded 23 tackles and one tackle for loss.
The former Stanford athlete started his career out with the Packers. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In seven NFL seasons, Martinez has started 76 games. He's totaled 686 career tackles, 39 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks.
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Graham reflected on his time with Martinez in Green Bay. He told reporters what he expects from Martinez via The Fresno Bee reporter Anthony Galaviz.
"We go back to 2018 in Green Bay. Met him. Our relationship grew from there. He was one of the smartest guys I've ever been around," Graham said. "He did a great job for me in terms of running the defense. We've always stayed close."
While it's probably unfair to expect him to play in Week 5, he could be ready to go after the team's Week 6 bye. Look for Martinez to be a big part of the linebacker rotation relatively soon.