NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans got two players who accounted for 26 percent of the Oakland Raiders special-teams tackles during 2016 by agreeing to terms with Brynden Trawick and Daren Bates on Thursday.
Trawick, a safety, played just 48 defensive snaps last season and 180 in his career. He made a team-best 14 tackles on special teams over 15 games in 2016. He got a two-year deal worth $4.75 million that can grow to $6.85 million. It comes with $3 million guaranteed. Those rank as top numbers for a special-teamer.
Bates, a linebacker, played just 30 defensive snaps last year and 66 in his career. He made eight special-teams tackles in 17 games.
Per ESPN’s Adam Caplan, he got a three-year deal with $6 million.
@PaulKuharskyNFL played against both this year. Really good players.
— Michael Griffin (@MikeGriff33) March 9, 2017
Trawick played at Troy and was originally an undrafted free agent for the Baltimore Ravens, with whom he played three seasons. Bates played at Auburn and was originally an undrafted free agent for the Rams, with whom he played three seasons.
Each was signed as a free agent by Oakland in 2016.
The Titans also re-signed Nate Palmer to a two-year deal. He was listed as the backup to inside linebacker Avery Williamson last season and led the Titans with 12 special teams tackles.
The Raiders were not an especially great special-teams franchise in 2016. They were fourth in kickoff coverage and 30th in punt coverage while ranking tied for 17th in kickoff returns and 11th in punt returns.
