Alec Ingold, a former favorite of Raider Nation, has secured a market-altering deal at the fullback position. The Miami Dolphins inked the 27-year-old to a three-year pact worth up to $17.2 million, keeping him tied to the organization through the 2026 season. Not bad for the former Las Vegas Raiders‘ star. Ingold is yet another former member of the Silver and Black who found success and a hefty payday elsewhere. Derek Carr and Darren Waller, anyone?
Alec Ingold Strikes Gold
The Raiders first brought Ingold to the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019 while the franchise was still based in Oakland. He marks one of the few successes of the Mike Mayock-Jon Gruden era, even if his tenure with the team ended prematurely.
The talented fullback tore his ACL late in 2021 and was left searching for a new deal on the free agent scene. The Dolphins happily extended Ingold an offer, and the rest is history.
Unfortunately, Raiders fans are left wondering what could have been. Sure, current fullback Jakob Johnson is a phenomenal culture fit and a trusted voice in the locker room — so Vegas isn’t lacking in this department. But with the loss of a fan favorite such as Ingold, Raider Nation will always remember him fondly.
Derek Carr And Darren Waller Will Not Be Easily Forgotten
This is why a large portion of the fan base still feels an affinity for Derek Carr and Darren Waller, in particular. For some, these players become like family. Spending every Sunday with them for four months will inevitably create bonds that can be unbreakable.
Speaking of Derek Carr, he exited the franchise this offseason and landed one of the most lucrative contracts in the NFL. Carr received an astonishing $150 million from the New Orleans Saints, finally filling the void left by Drew Brees’ retirement. The former Raider had a strong preseason and will aim to return the franchise to its playoff standards.
If you recall, Darren Waller got traded to the New York Giants back in March. That came after reports of a disconnect surfaced between the star tight end and Vegas head coach Josh McDaniels. Since arriving on the East Coast, the 2020 Pro Bowler has been a model teammate and a difference-maker on the field. So much so that his new team has already granted him captain status.
The Raiders Must Turn The Page And Embrace The Future
Alas, the Raiders must turn the page and embrace the future. However, that is much easier for a front office that just arrived last year than a passionate fan base that has been around for over 60 years. Emotions make sports so fascinating; tribalism is unlike anything else in our culture. Raiders Nation is no exception.
As has been the motto of the past two offseasons: Smile because it happened. Don’t cry because it’s over.
Alec Ingold is prospering in South Beach and is now $17.2 million richer.
Derek Carr sits cozy with a nine-figure contract in The Big Easy, while Darren Waller stars in The Big Apple.
Although they no longer sport the Silver and Black, the trio will always have the support of their former fan base.
Once a Raider, always a Raider.
*Top Photo: Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group