Las Vegas Raiders

Oakland Raiders Sign Perry Riley and James Cowser

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sep 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end James Cowser (47) puts pressure on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders announced several transactions, including signing LB Perry Riley Jr. and DE James Cowser.

It was a busy Tuesday in Alameda, as the the Raiders announced several roster transactions — most notably the signings of Riley and Cowser.

Riley replaced Ben Heeney on 53-man roster, who was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Cowser was (once again) signed to the practice squad.

Just to catch up, the Raiders attempted to place Cowser on the injured reserve with a concussion. But instead, an injury settlement was reached, and Cowser was ultimately released. But unable to find work elsewhere, the two parties have reunited.

Oakland also released LBs Demetrius Cherry and Darnell Sankey from the practice squad.

Back to Riley, who is the most notable transaction of the group.

Riley enjoyed a quality 6-year career in Washington, topping 93 tackles in three seasons. While never a star player, Riley was more so known as a solid, capable centerpiece of the defense.

Still just 28 years old, the Raiders hope he has plenty left in that tank. And with Cory James stealing the show in Oakland, Riley shouldn’t be needed for more than linebacker depth and occasional defensive snaps, as well as some special teams contributions.

The most interesting part of the signing is Riley’s connection to Bruce Irvin, who most certainly went into “Baby Reggie” mode and helped get Riley in Silver & Black.

Riley and Irvin were high school teammates, and childhood friends, actually.

“We’re the same age,” Riley said. “We grew up from 4^th grade on up. We’ve known each other every year, and we’ve [gone] from rivals when we were younger, to best friends as we got older, and now we’re still just best friends, so it’s good to be back with him.”

Riley just helps to come in and help the team win.

“Definitely, I noticed the talent from afar, you have a young team that has a lot of talent, and they’re only getting better,” Riley explained. “They’re 3-1 which is a great start if you ask me. I just want to come here and help keep that train rolling the way it’s going. Obviously not too much needs to be changed, you’re 3-1 in four games, so try to just keep that train going the way it’s going, and help improve it a little bit.”

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