Oakland Raiders re-sign Usama Young
Oakland Raiders safety Usama Young (26) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) in the end zone with 1:10 to play at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders have finally picked things up a bit over the past couple of days in free agency after an extremely slow and disappointing start to the period for GM Reggie McKenzie, who was expected to make splash moves with a myriad of holes on the roster and a great deal of cap space. Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Tarell Brown, and Austin Howard are three big signings for the Raiders in free agency, and they decided to make a minor re-signing today.
According to the National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson, Usama Young has re-signed with the Raiders, per his agent Andy Simms. Young’s deal will last for two seasons, but it’s unclear as to how much the Raiders will be paying him for these next two seasons. His deal isn’t going to impact Charles Woodson, as Young is clearly a rotation guy behind Woodson (or any starting free safety) and the talented Tyvon Branch at free safety.
Young is a nice backup to have around, and the 28-year-old recorded 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three passes defended, and an interception in 12 games before hitting the injured reserve. His best seasons were with the Cleveland Browns when he had 70 tackles in 2011 and over 50 tackles with three picks and seven passes defended in 13 games in 2012.