The Raiders added depth to their defense and talent to their special teams units on Monday morning by signing former Rams linebacker Daren Bates.
The team announced the acquisition of a fourth-year veteran who played just 28 defensive snaps in 2015.
He was a valued special teams contributor in St. Louis, and the Raiders expect a similar impact in Oakland.
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Bates has 25 tackles, a pass defensed and two fumble recoveries over three professional seasons. He was signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent.
Expect Bates to be a core special teams player for the Raiders, a value position on a team where the kicking game has high importance.