Raiders Add Explosive WR Noah Brown: Perfect Scheme Fit
Las Vegas Raiders Sign Veteran Wide Receiver Noah Brown
What Just Happened?
The Las Vegas Raiders have added a new player to their team! On Sunday, the team announced they signed Noah Brown, a wide receiver who has been playing in the NFL for nine seasons. Think of a wide receiver like a catcher in baseball — their main job is to catch passes thrown by the quarterback and run with the ball.
Who Is Noah Brown?
Here’s the simple breakdown of Noah’s football journey:
- Age/Experience: Entering his 9th NFL season
- Size: 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 225 pounds (that’s big for a receiver!)
- Hometown: Sparta, New Jersey
- College: Played 3 years at Ohio State University (2014-2016)
His NFL Team History
Noah has played for four different teams during his career:
- Dallas Cowboys (2017-2022) — 5 seasons
- Houston Texans (2023) — 1 season
- Washington Commanders (2024-2025) — 2 seasons
- Las Vegas Raiders (2025-present) — NEW!
Important Note: Noah was originally picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th round of the 2017 NFL Draft (239th overall pick). That means 238 players were chosen before him — but he’s worked hard to stick in the league for 9 years!
How Good Is He? (The Numbers)
Don’t worry — we’ll explain what these numbers mean!
| Stat | What It Means | Noah’s Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | How many games he’s been in | 91 |
| Games Started | How many games he was in the starting lineup | 38 |
| Receptions | How many passes he caught | 155 |
| Receiving Yards | Total distance gained after catching passes | 2,083 yards |
| Yards Per Catch | Average distance per catch | 13.4 yards |
| Touchdowns | Times he scored (worth 6 points each) | 6 |
What’s Special About His Recent Performance?
Since 2020, Noah has averaged 13.7 yards per catch. That ranks tied for 24th best in the entire NFL among players with at least 125 catches during that time. In simple terms: when he catches the ball, he usually gains a good chunk of yards!
His College Days at Ohio State
Before the NFL, Noah played for the Ohio State Buckeyes (a very famous college team):
- Played 28 games over 3 seasons
- Caught 33 passes for 411 yards (12.5 avg per catch)
- Scored 7 touchdowns in college
- Played as a true freshman at just 18 years old — that’s rare and impressive!
The Trade-Off: Someone Had to Go
Important Roster Move
NFL teams can only have a certain number of players on their roster (like a class size limit). To make room for Noah Brown, the Raiders released defensive tackle Benito Jones.
- Defensive Tackle (DT): A big, strong player on defense who tries to stop the run and push the pocket
- Released: The team let him go; he’s now free to sign with any other team
Why This Matters for the Raiders
Simple Reasons This Signing Makes Sense:
- Experience: 9-year veteran who knows how the NFL works
- Size Advantage: At 6’2", 225 lbs, he’s bigger than most defensive backs covering him
- Reliable Hands: 155 career catches shows he can hold onto the ball
- Big Play Ability: 13.7 yards per catch since 2020 means he stretches the field
- Low Risk: Likely a low-cost signing for a proven player
Summary
The Las Vegas Raiders signed wide receiver Noah Brown — a 9-year NFL veteran who’s played for the Cowboys, Texans, and Commanders. He’s a big target (6’2", 225 lbs) with 155 career catches for over 2,000 yards. Since 2020, he’s been one of the better deep threats in the league (24th in yards per catch). To make room, the team released defensive tackle Benito Jones. Noah played college ball at Ohio State and was a 7th-round draft pick who beat the odds to stick in the league.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does a wide receiver actually do?
A wide receiver lines up near the sidelines and runs routes (specific paths) to get open. The quarterback throws them the ball, and they try to catch it and run for yards or a touchdown. Think of them as the "catchers" of the offense.
Is 9 years a long time in the NFL?
Yes! The average NFL career is only about 3.3 years. Playing 9 seasons means Noah is durable, smart, and good enough to keep earning a roster spot.
What does "7th round pick" mean?
The NFL Draft has 7 rounds. Teams pick the best players first (1st round), and the later rounds (6th, 7th) are for players with more question marks. Being picked 239th overall means Noah was a "long shot" — but he proved everyone wrong!
Why did they release Benito Jones?
NFL rosters have a 53-player limit during the season. When you add a player, you usually have to cut one. The Raiders likely felt they had enough depth at defensive tackle and needed help at wide receiver instead.
Will Noah Brown start for the Raiders?
We don’t know yet! He’s started 38 of 91 career games (about 42%). He’ll compete for a spot in training camp. Even if he doesn’t start, he’s valuable as a reliable backup and special teams contributor.