Raiders Waive Tavecchio, Sign Mike Nugent

The Oakland Raiders have waived incumbent starting kicker Giorgio Tavecchio and signed Mike Nugent to a one-year deal. The move paves the way for rookie Eddy Piñeiro to be the Raiders starting kicker to open the season. Nugent is being brought in to be a veteran presences for Piñeiro with a small chance to win the starting job, according to Vic Tafur.

Veteran K Mike Nugent signed to be a mentor to Pineiro, with small shot to win job https://t.co/eqO2PLMMPc

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 4, 2018

Tavecchio took over the kicking spot for the Raiders last season after Sebastian Janikowski was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. Tavecchio played in all sixteen games last season, making 16-of-21 field goals with a long of 53 yards. He also converted 33-of-34 on extra points.

Piñeiro is a 22-year old out of the University of Florida where he played two season for the Gators. In 2017, he led the NCAA in field goal percentage at 94.4%, converting on 17-of-18 attempts.

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