The Las Vegas Raiders wasted little time making adjustments during the early days of training camp, announcing the signing of tight end Zack Kuntz on Friday while simultaneously waiving running back Chris Collier with an injury designation.
The move adds further depth to what already ranks among the strongest position groups on the roster and trims a backfield that has seen steady turnover in recent seasons.
Kuntz, listed at either 6-foot-8 and 251 pounds, brings an uncommon physical profile to the tight end room. A seventh-round selection by the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Old Dominion (after earlier time at Penn State), he spent the bulk of his first two professional seasons on the practice squad.
He was elevated to the active roster for a handful of weeks and appeared in two games, logging limited snaps on offense and special teams without recording statistics. After being released by the Jets, he signed a reserve/futures deal with the Miami Dolphins but was waived in May.
Kuntz spent last season outside the league entirely, meaning he will need to impress quickly if he hopes to stick with a Raiders group already featuring Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.
Bowers, the standout young tight end, has drawn positive notices throughout the early portion of camp. Coming off a season limited by a knee injury, he has shown sharp motivation and production in practices while maintaining a low-key demeanor about his role.
Teammates and observers have noted the overall strength of the tight end corps, where Mayer projects as a reliable complementary piece capable of starting for many clubs. Kuntz’s size could carve out a specialized role in a scheme that values versatility from the position, though earning a roster spot or even a practice squad place will require consistent contributions in a crowded field.
The corresponding roster move sent Collier packing. The running back had been with the organization on and off since 2024, appearing in a few games that year but spending last season largely on the practice squad without seeing game action.
His departure leaves the Raiders with a thinner group at the position—reportedly down to four running backs—and opens the possibility of additional additions. The team recently worked out veteran Miles Sanders, who could represent a logical candidate if the front office seeks more experience.
These early camp maneuvers come as the Raiders continue reshaping their offense under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Last season’s unit ranked among the league’s least productive in both the run and pass games, prompting significant changes that included the arrivals of quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza.
Wide receiver Tre Tucker, who enjoyed a career-best year in 2025, has spoken about the multiple looks the new scheme presents and the emphasis on players demonstrating range rather than specializing in one area. Depth at receiver remains a question mark, but the focus on competition across the skill positions is clear.
For Kuntz, the opportunity arrives at a pivotal moment. His college production—88 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns across 39 games—showed promise as a developmental prospect, and his frame offers a mismatch element that is difficult to replicate.
Whether he ultimately factors into the regular-season plans or serves as insurance while the top options stay healthy will be determined over the coming weeks of camp and preseason. In the meantime, the Raiders have signaled that even their strongest units remain open to upgrades as they prepare for the 2026 season.
