Raiders bring back veteran WR Derek Hagan

Originally published on SBReport.net on Sept. 6, 2012


The Oakland Raiders announced the signing of veteran wide receiver Derek Hagan on Thursday.

The signing marks the return of Hagan, who was originally on the Raiders last season but was cut to make room for T.J. Houshmandzadeh. 

Hagan had a solid camp while with the Raiders in 2011 and proved he can be a solid possession receiver in the regular season, hauling in 11 receptions for 114 yards.

Hagan was not utilized much by last year's regime after his solid training camp. When healthy, Hagan provides quarterback Carson Palmer with another solid possession guy that showed a knack for getting open on the field. 

Hagan signed with the Buffalo Bills after being cut last season and appeared in four games, starting one, before being cut by the Bills last Friday. In total, the six-year veteran has appeared in 69 games (eight starts, and hauled in 109 receptions for 1,221 yards and six touchdowns.

Hagan was drafted in the third round by the Miami Dolphins in 2006 after becoming PAC-10's all-time leading receiver with 258 receptions during his career at Arizona State. 

Hagan's presence gives the Raiders added insurance at a position decimated with injury at the moment. Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore, and now Juron Criner are facing injuries and attempting to be ready in time for the season opener against the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football. 

He also brings a veteran presence to a locker room filled by young athletes, especially at the wide receiver position. Derrius Heyward-Bey, entering his fourth season, was the eldest and most experienced wide receiver prior to Hagan signing with the Raiders. 

The Raiders also announced that they have waived return man and cornerback Coye Francies to make room for Hagan on the roster. 

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