Idaho’s Cowan signs with Raiders
For the first time since 2007, Idaho didn't have a player selected in the NFL draft. But at least a few former Vandals will get tryouts via undrafted free agent deals or invitations to minicamps. That includes punter Bobby Cowan, who signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders. Cowan's signing was mentioned by Idaho athletic director Rob Spear and several of Cowan's former teammates on Twitter.
Safety Gary Walker also announced on Twitter that he struck a deal with Baltimore, while cornerback Aaron Grymes (Green Bay) and receiver Justin Veltung (Seattle) appear to have snagged minicamp invites.
Cowan, one of the top punters in Idaho history, will get a chance to replace longtime Raiders punter Shane Lechler, who signed with Houston in March. Lechler was drafted in the fifth round in 2000 and established himself as an All Pro. Lechler's replacement is expected to be Marquette King -- but Cowan might have something to say about that.