It’s like he never left. Because, really, he didn’t. After Sam Young had filled in a right tackle for Trent Brown throughout most of camp and the Raiders gushed about the work he was doing as a swing tackle, he still was among the team’s surprise cuts Saturday.
But even with his release, it seemed likely he wouldn’t be gone lone. The 12-year veteran went unsigned among the rush of players who re-entered the market Saturday afternoon. And when the Raiders looked to add someone to the roster, they brought him back. GM Mike Mayock confirmed the move Sunday over conference call.
“Sam Young came in and competed his tail off,” Mayock added. “Really happy with what he’s done. He’s played both sides in his NFL career. He’s smart. He’s picked our system so quickly. So to have a guy with that kind of versatility is really helpful.”
The ability to bring Young back came from placing rookie linebacker Tanner Muse on injured reserve with designation to return. In order to receive that designation, a player must be on the initial 53-man roster. That’s why Muse was kept, Young released, then Muse put on IR and Young brought back. The Raiders did the same last year with LB Kyle Wilber and DE Josh Mauro.
