Raiders release TE Lee Smith, sign 5 draft picks

Published

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders are bringing back free agent running back Doug Martin for a second season.

The Raiders also released tight end Lee Smith and signed five draft picks to contracts Thursday.

Oakland finalized the deal with the 30-year-old Martin after Isaiah Crowell reportedly went down with an Achilles injury earlier this week. Martin had 172 carries for 723 yards and four touchdowns for the Raiders last season. His return gives the Raiders a veteran back behind rookie first-round pick Josh Jacobs.

Smith joined the Raiders as an unrestricted free agent in 2015 and was let go after the team drafted Foster Moreau in the fourth round last week. Smith played 51 games for Oakland, with 36 receptions for 248 yards with four touchdowns.

The Raiders signed Moreau, fourth-round defensive end Maxx Crosby, fourth-round cornerback Isaiah Johnson, fifth-round receiver Hunter Renfrow and seventh-round defensive end Quinton Bell.