During the middle of OTA’s, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to add to their already packed tight end room by adding former Chicago Bears tight end Jesper Horsted. Let’s take a look at the newest member of the Silver and Black, who joins a strong tight end group that possesses skill throughout its depth chart.
What does Jesper Horsted bring to the Raiders?
Horsted attended Princeton and went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. He stands at six-foot-four and weighs 241 pounds. During his first season in Chicago, he appeared in six games, starting one of them, and totaled ten targets, eight catches, one touchdown, and one fumble. While he spent much of 2020 on the practice squad, he reached the final fifty-three-man roster in early 2021.
WHAT. A. CATCH. 😯
Jesper Horsted hauls it in to tie this game up! @JHorsted #Bears100
📺: #CHIvsDET on FOX
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Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/QeumWCLyaU pic.twitter.com/yWsXRT10DQ— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2019
During the 2021 season, he appeared in seven games, none of which he started. Horsted tallied three receptions for 21 yards and two touchdowns, one via the air and the other on the ground. He was then waived by the Bears before joining the Raiders in 2022.
In terms of talent, he provides another big-bodied tight end who, due to his speed and enormous build, could line up at either the wide receiver or tight end position. The Raiders’ staff must see something in him if they determine he’s worth a bet on bringing in. He may be developed over time or serve as insurance in case someone on the roster is injured.
Either way, the roster just keeps on continuing to grow in literally every aspect. He joins a roster that also features undrafted free agent Cole Fotheringham. This indicates that the competition in camp has only intensified. This much is certain: this coaching staff is serious about having depth in every position.
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*Top Photo: NBC Sports-Chicago