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Raiders GM John Spytek Makes Major Roster Addition

Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek made a major signing today to the team's 53-man roster in conjunction with some other moves, and we tell you what it means!
Raiders
Raiders | Darrell Craig Harris, ON SI

In this story:

HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders (3-0) are the hottest team in the National Football League right now, headed to a matchup with fellow undefeated AFC West rival the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

Despite the momentum and excitement in Raider Nation, GM John Spytek isn’t done, or even close to it.

Today, several personnel moves were made, and one of them was nothing short of massive.

What Happened

Spytek made several moves, including the release of WR Justin Shorter from the practice squad, the addition of WR Phillip Dorsett to replace him, sending WR Jack Bech to injured reserve, and finally, signing his most productive wide receiver on the roster, Cody White, to his 53-man roster.

What It Means

Just three games into the season, White has been the most productive WR on the Raiders roster with three touchdowns. Additionally, White earned a game ball for his impressive special teams play in Week 1, and his terrific play in Weeks 2 and 3 has been lauded.

Cody White
Cody White | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

On the practice squad, any of the NFL teams could have signed White, and no compensation would have been owed to the Raiders. Several teams inquired, but White and his representation made it clear he wanted to be in Las Vegas with Kubiak.

Signing his most productive receiver was a major roster move for Spytek, who has seemingly seen all he has done turn cold since last December.

White was a priority signing for the Raiders after the Seattle Seahawks stunningly placed him on the practice squad because they committed to less productive players.

White was exceptional in Seattle, including this preseason, and while Seahawks GM John Schneider is a great GM and person, he is a case study in what the Raiders aren’t doing.

Darrell Craig Harris, On SI
Cody White | DarrellCraigHarris

The Seahawks have several receivers they made significant financial commitments to who haven't been as productive as White. By choosing to stick with them, the Raiders pounced once he went on the practice squad.

Spytek isn’t stuck in a corner when it comes to contracts. With him and the Raiders he leads, the best players play, even if he didn’t pick them.

John Spytek
John Spytek | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

How We Got Here

I reported right after the 53-man roster was announced, for Raider Nation to keep their eyes on White. He loves Kubiak, and the feeling is mutual.

The Raiders had brought him up to the roster for all three games, so the only way he could play again for the Raiders in 2026 was to sign with the team. Something I told you on Sunday night, and even on Monday, was inevitable.

Klint Kubiak
Klint Kubiak | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Kubiak said of Spytek and his staff’s aggression in adding players, "Yeah, that's what I signed up for. Knowing what I was dealing with, knowing the professionals that John [Spytek] is, and [Brian] Stark, and Brandon Hunt, and BY [Brandon Yeargan], and Mark Thewes, our ownership. We're here to win."

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Hondo Carpenter
HONDO CARPENTER

Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. is an award-winning sports journalist with decades of experience. He serves as the Senior Writer for NFL and College sports, and is the beat writer covering the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, he is the editor and publisher for several sites On SI. Carpenter is a member of the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA), the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).

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