Raiders Sign LB NaVorro Bowman

The Oakland Raiders announced on Monday the signing of free-agent inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman.

NaVorro Bowman signing news

Bowman, a four-time All-Pro linebacker, was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Friday after seven seasons. Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said he would not rule out the 29-year-old — a former third-round pick out of Penn State — for Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Oakland.

“Well, he’s a veteran guy,” Del Rio said Monday. “He’s played a lot of good ball over the years and we’re excited to have him. We’re a little green at the linebacker position, so to add somebody with the experience that he has, we think it’s a nice addition for us. We’ll get him up to speed and see how quickly we can get him there and on the field.”

Bowman himself said he was willing to play Thursday. “If I’m prepared enough, I’ll definitely try to give it a shot,” he said. “Hey, I’m going to show you something.”

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the linebacker signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Raiders.

Bowman will help fill the void at linebacker for Oakland, which has lost rookie fifth-round draft pick Marquel Lee to an ankle injury. The squad has been using two undrafted rookies in Nicholas Morrow, who played at Division III Greenville College last year, and Xavier Woodson-Luster, an Arkansas State product, in Lee’s place.

In seven seasons with the Niners, Bowman played in 89 games and compiled 808 tackles (487 solo), 12.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, four interceptions and 28 passes defensed. He has also played in eight playoff games, in which he has amassed 97 tackles (49), 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed.

The 49ers had agreed to trade the 6-foot, 242-pounder to the New Orleans Saints for a seventh-round draft pick before releasing him.

Bowman sustained a left knee injury in the 2013 NFC title game that kept him out of the entire subsequent season.

The Raiders (2-4) have lost four consecutive games and are in danger of falling out of a playoff race in October, as the Chiefs (5-1) have won their last five contests against Oakland.

Oakland also recently waived linebacker Tyrell Adams. 

SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)