Raiders head coach Jon Gruden wanted veterans to help turn his defense around. He added a linebacker and defensive backs aplenty. Then, on Friday night, he reportedly gave the front some help.
Former 49ers defensive lineman Tank Carradine will sign with the Raiders, according to the Sacramento Bee.
A source told NBC Sports Bay Area a pact wasn't reached yet, but an agreement looked to be in the cards.
He visited the Raiders on Thursday and was in Seattle earlier Friday, but is expected to sign with the Silver and Black.
Carradine could help their transition to a more traditional 4-3 alignment, able to play end in the base defense. He has proven himself as a solid run defender, but believes he can be an effective pass rusher if given the opportunity.
Carradine didn't get many pass-rushing chances with the 49ers, who generally removed him on passing downs. He has 5.5 sacks in four professional seasons. He played 37.9 percent of 49ers defensive snaps during eight games with the 49ers last season. He missed the same amount on short-term injured reserve with an ankle injury.
At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, he has the size to be a 4-3 base end. He'll likely have to battle Mario Edwards Jr. for snaps opposite Khalil Mack, though Bruce Irvin will take that spot in sub packages.
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Carradine will be the 10th free-agent signing expected to make the roster, which means the roster turnover this summer should be significant.
