Raiders sign ex-Bills QB Nathan Peterman

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman was one of two players the Raiders signed to their practice squad Wednesday. His arrival affords an opportunity to rebound from a rocky start to his NFL career.

Peterman, a 2017 fifth-round pick, has three touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in eight career games.

He has completed 68 of 130 passes (52.3 percent) for 548 yards. In his first start as a rookie, he went 6-of-14 for 66 yards with no touchdowns and five interceptions against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Raiders are signing former Bills QB Nathan Peterman, source said. He worked out and took a physical today. A done deal.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 19, 2018

Peterman, 24, finds a lower-pressure situation here in Oakland.

He will practice six times in two weeks before the season ends. He won’t be expected to pick up the playbook in that span, merely tasked with running the scout team. His first practice is on Thursday.

Presuming that coaches see enough from him, he likely will sign a reserve/futures contract shortly after the season and reconvene with the club next spring. He’ll then be part of the offense’s install, allowing him to learn coach Jon Gruden’s scheme in earnest and compete for a reserve spot on the 53-man roster.

Peterman and A.J. McCarron, the Raiders’ backup to quarterback Derek Carr, briefly were teammates in Buffalo this year.

McCarron signed a two-year, $10 million contract in March. The Bills traded McCarron to the Raiders on Sept. 1 for a 2019 fifth-round pick, electing to enter 2018 with Peterman as their starter. Rookie first-round pick Josh Allen took over one game into the year.

Peterman threw 81 passes this year, with seven interceptions. He was cut Nov. 12.

It is possible Peterman could outlast McCarron again. McCarron is scheduled to receive a $3 million roster bonus if still on the Raiders’ roster come March 15. Additionally, on March 17, $1.1 million of his $1.9 million salary would become fully guaranteed.

Linebacker Cayson Collins also was signed to the practice squad. He spent a few days on the Raiders’ 10-man unit in late October.

Collins and Peterman replace defensive tackle Gabe Wright and defensive back Rico Gafford, who were were promoted Tuesday from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GehlkenNFL on Twitter.