Daryl Worley was Carolina's third-round draft pick back in 2015. The talented cornerback has bounced around some since, after two years with the Panthers, a trade to Philadelphia that didn't last after some legal trouble, followed by a strong rebound year in Oakland.
He's set for restricted free agency, and the Raiders couldn't saved a million bucks by offering an original round tender. They would've received a third-round pick if Worley was wooed away, but they wanted less risk.
That's why attached a second-round tender to a player they're counting on to start at outside cornerback next season.
The second-round tender is worth $3.095 million, and while teams can sign him to an offer sheet, the Raiders have the right to match and would get a second-round pick in return.
That's prohibitive for the competition, meaning Worley is fully expected to be a Raider next season.
The Raiders didn't mess around with running back Jalen Richard, either, offering the valued running back a second-round tender. That was essential for the 2016 undrafted free agent who would've been a played coveted if team's didn't have to give up a draft pick for the signing.
Head coach Jon Gruden has great affinity for Worley and Richard, with big plans for both players.
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He also liked safety Erik Harris, who proved a solid defender after years as primarily as special teams player. Harris was given an original-round tender worth $2.025 million. The Raiders can match an offer sheet for a valued and respected contributor, but wouldn't receive compensation for the former undrafted free agent. Harris is also expected to return next season. He'll compete to start at free safety -- he played there extensively last season -- or be the reserve option at both safety spots.
Information on the restricted free agent contract tenders came from league sources on Thursday morning. NFL Network was first to report the news.
