It may not be the splashiest move, but in a really savvy move, the Raiders have signed former UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kyle Philips.
The former Bruin great was a 5th-round pick in 2022, selected by the Tennessee Titans. He spent last season on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.
Raiders Sign Former UCLA Bruins WR Kyle Philips
After a really solid rookie training camp, Philips kicked off his NFL career with a fantastic opening game. He finished with six receptions for 66 yards, and a 46-yard punt return to set up the Titans’ first touchdown of the season.
Unfortunately, he had trouble staying healthy after that. He was placed on injured reserve in October, missing the rest of the season. He was then placed in injured reserve again prior to the 2023 season kicking off. He was released in 2024 with an injury designation.
He was signed to the Eagles practice squad before the start of the 2024 campaign, and now he finds a home in Las Vegas with the Raiders.
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Philips spent 4 years in Westwood with the Bruins, but he really broke out in his final season. He finished with 59 catches, 739 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He also had 203 punt return yards and a return for a touchdown.
If Philips can stay healthy, he will battle for a quality role within the offense. He knows Chip Kelly’s system, and Kelly trusted him a lot in college in critical situations.
He is a shifty receiver who is quick out of breaks and has really good hands. He would be featured in the slot and could be reminiscent of what Hunter Renfrow was during his time with the Silver and Black.