A quiet Seahawks departure just became a reunion story in Las Vegas.
And it’s the first sign that Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is already reshaping his roster.

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Klint Kubiak Begins Raiders Roster Shake-Up by Signing Seahawks WR Dareke Young

The Las Vegas Raiders are beginning to reshape their roster under new head coach Klint Kubiak, and one of his first offseason moves brings a familiar face from Seattle.

Wide receiver and special teams standout Dareke Young has agreed to a deal with the Raiders, ending his four-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks and becoming the first Seattle player to follow Kubiak to Las Vegas this offseason.

While the contract details have not yet been released, the move signals that Kubiak is already building the roster with players he knows and trusts.

From Late Draft Pick to Reliable Special Teams Contributor

Young entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, selected by the Seahawks out of Lenoir-Rhyne, a small-school program in North Carolina.

Despite the long odds typically facing late-round picks, Young managed to carve out a role in Seattle’s system.

Over 42 games played, Young was mostly used as a depth receiver and special teams weapon. His offensive production remained limited, recording four receptions on six targets during his time with the Seahawks.

But his true value came in the third phase of the game.

Young quickly became a reliable presence on special teams, contributing on coverage units and eventually taking on kick return duties during the 2025 season.

A Big Moment in Seattle’s Playoff Run

Although his offensive opportunities were rare, Young did deliver one memorable moment during Seattle’s championship run.

In the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, Young made a crucial play by recovering a muffed punt from teammate Xavier Smith.

The recovery helped preserve a key possession during Seattle’s victory and ultimately became one of the unsung plays of the Seahawks’ postseason journey.

Moments like that helped cement Young’s reputation as a dependable team player willing to contribute wherever needed.

A Familiar Fit in Las Vegas

For Kubiak, bringing Young to Las Vegas may not be about offensive production alone.

Coaches often prioritize players who understand their systems and culture, especially during the early stages of building a new staff and roster.

Young’s versatility and special teams experience could make him a valuable depth piece for the Raiders.

Even if he doesn’t become a major part of the offense, his contributions in field position and special teams play can quietly influence games.

Another Seahawk Leaves Seattle

Young’s departure also marks another member of the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class moving on to a new team.

He joins several former teammates who have already left Seattle this offseason, including:

• Coby Bryant
• Boye Mafe
• Kenneth Walker III
• Riq Woolen

The exodus reflects the natural roster turnover that often follows major team transitions, particularly after coaching changes or championship seasons.

Seahawks’ Remaining Free Agents

With Young now heading to Las Vegas, only a couple of Seahawks free agents remain unsigned.

Linebacker Chazz Surratt is still available as an unrestricted free agent, while wide receiver Cody White also remains on the market after Seattle declined to tender him as a restricted free agent.

A Small Move With Bigger Meaning

On paper, Dareke Young’s signing might not seem like a headline-grabbing move.

But early offseason decisions often reveal how a new coaching staff plans to build its team.

For Klint Kubiak, adding a former Seahawk signals a clear approach: bring in players who understand the system, value special teams, and contribute to the locker room culture.

It may be a small move—but it’s the first step in shaping the Raiders’ new era under Kubiak.