The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent center Andre James to an undisclosed deal. James will remain in the AFC West after spending the first six seasons in the league with the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA. The 27-year-old was designated as a post-June cut by the Raiders after playing in 13 games (11 starts) in 2024. James took over as Vegas' starting center in 2021 and has started 61 of the 80 games that he's appeared in for his career, including the playoffs. In his new digs with the Bolts, James will most likely enter the 2025 campaign as the backup to Bradley Bozeman.
The Las Vegas Raiders plan to release starting center Andre James after the new league year begins next Wednesday, March 12, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. James is one of the last players remaining from the Raiders' days in Oakland. The 27-year-old entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA and made his NFL debut in 2019 with the Raiders. In his six seasons in the NFL with the Raiders, James has appeared in 89 games, with 60 of them being starts. James will attract interest from teams looking for help at the center position and should at least compete for a starting job somewhere in training camp this summer.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James has signed an extension with the organization. The former undrafted free agent joined the team in 2019. He worked his way into the starting lineup during the 2021 season. Now, James has earned himself a three-year, $24 million contract. James will receive $16 million in guaranteed money, which is well-deserved given how he has played over the last few seasons. Last season, James appeared on 963 offensive snaps and earned a PFF blocking grade of 74.6, which is a career-high for him.
The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms with center of the future Andre James on a three-year deal worth $12.5 million on Monday, according to a source. James receives around $6 million guaranteed. He had one year left on his deal before he was set to become a restricted free agent next offseason. James cashes in after the team traded Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson to the Arizona Cardinals last week. He didn't play any offensive snaps last season and has just one game played at center in the NFL, but they Raiders clearly believe he is their future at the position. Las Vegas also signed former Houston Texans starting center Nick Martin to compete with James.
Andre James
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