FSU Alums: Nick O’Leary signs with Las Vegas Raiders

Former FSU standout tight end Nick O’Leary sees his NFL career continue after signing a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Nick O’Leary was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the No. 194 overall pick.

He was with the Bills for three seasons and will be with his third team since first being released by the Bills in September 2018.

O’Leary was signed by the Miami Dolphins for the 2018 season and played with them in seven games of the 2019 season before being released and picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars for five games.

He notched 13 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown in 12 games last in 2019 between the two teams.

O’Leary will be with the Raiders after signing as a free agent Saturday afternoon.

The Raiders have five tight ends on the roster, including signing veteran Jason Witten in the off-season.

There’s no guarantee O’Leary will make the 53-man roster, but that’s nothing new for O’Leary who’s bounced between practice squads and contributing in actual games since being released by the Bills in 2018.

O’Leary has experience on special teams and has reliable hands when given the opportunity to get the ball thrown his way on offense. He has caught around 72 percent of the passes thrown to him in his five-year career.

He’s a capable blocker too, so one wonders why hasn’t had more reliable roles in offenses? I know the league is more pass-happy with athletic freaks at the tight end position. I think running backs participating more in the passing game has lessened the tight end role some too.

Here’s to hoping O’Leary can make the 53-man roster and continue the legacy of players off the 2013 national title team still in the NFL.