NAPA, Calif. – With the Oakland Raiders a bit thin at cornerback as DJ Hayden recovers from surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot, the team addressed a depth concern in the secondary.
But rather than bring in another cornerback, the Raiders signed a converted safety in Rutgers product Jeremy Deering, who originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in May before being waived.
The 6-foot-1, 209-pound Deering began his college career on the offensive side of the ball for the Scarlet Knights as a running back and receiver, rushing for 578 yards and two touchdowns on 130 carries while catching 21 passes for 415 yards and a TD in his college career. He also returned 41 kickoffs for 1,100 yards with a score.
Deering transitioned to safety as a senior and finished with 39 tackles (22 solo) and an interception.
The signing brings the Raiders’ roster to the camp limit of 90 players, after the team cut linebacker Kevin Burnett last week.
