More than any other team in the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders have loaded up on star caliber tight ends in recent years. Both Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer were taken in the draft with premier capital and made centerpieces of the offense, especially Bowers.
Last season, the rookie tight end earned First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod after breaking almost every conceivable franchise and rookie receiving record. Even Mayer was considered expendable at various points last season, so the rest of the tight ends on the roster did not have a chance of sticking around this year.
Former Las Vegas Raiders TE Cole Fotheringham (85).
Former Las Vegas Raiders TE Cole Fotheringham (85).
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Cole Fotheringham was one of these casualties, as the Raiders released him in mid-December, but fortunately, he landed on his feet. Unfortunately, he signed with the team's hated AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos, according to Zac Stevens.
In 2023, Fotheringham only participated in two games for the Silver and Black. He played 32 total snaps between offense and special teams, recording a six-yard catch on Christmas Day against the Chiefs in Week 16.
He bounced between the practice squad and active roster for his entire career, but ultimately, Las Vegas let him loose this offseason. Now, he'll remain in the AFC West and try to carve out playing time in a suddenly crowded Broncos tight end room.