Although they were the first NFL team to be out of the playoff picture in 2018, Oakland Raiders still want to earn some respect before the season ends. The team announced several roster moves on Wednesday, including the signing of former Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, defensive end Kony Ealy, who was the second round pick in 2014, and cornerback Bene Benwikere.
In corresponding moves, Raiders placed safety Reggie Nelson, linebacker Shilique Calhoun and wide receiver Martavis Bryant on the injured reserve list.
We have signed DE Kony Ealy, RB C.J. Anderson and CB Bene Benwikere.
More: https://t.co/0nS29qbbX2 pic.twitter.com/2O02PBa4V1
— Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) December 5, 2018
After going undrafted in 2013 NFL Draft, C.J. Anderson signed with the Denver Broncos. During his time in Denver, he managed to win a Super Bowl and earn himself a Pro Bowl appearance. After Broncos released him following the end of 2017 season, Anderson signed with the Carolina Panthers in March 2018. He played nine games for Carolina, rushing for 104 yards and having a touchdown reception, before being released mid-November. The 27-year-old visited several teams in the past couple of weeks, including the Kansas City Chiefs, before settling in Oakland.
Kony Ealy had an eye-catching start of his NFL career when he got selected in PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2014 as the member of Carolina Panthers. After another solid season in 2015, Ealy started struggling with consistency and ended up being traded in early 2017 to New England Patriots. He also had short stints with New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys since then.
Raiders will be Bene Benwikere’s seventh NFL team in the last two years. The 27-year-old appeared in 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, recording 51 tackles, one interception and four deflected passes before being released in late November.
