Alex Ward

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Raiders made a puzzling decision paying Alex Ward $1.1M annually for long snapping services, earning a D+ CVI that reflects significant overpayment for a rotational-tier specialist. While long snappers rarely command attention, Ward's production profile suggests he's more of a camp body than a reliable starter, making this salary inflated even by specialist standards. The short-term nature of the deal does limit Vegas's exposure, but spending over seven figures on a player who projects as rotational at best represents poor resource allocation in a sport where every dollar matters against the salary cap. Most competent long snappers can be found for minimum wage or close to it, and Ward's track record doesn't justify this premium. This feels like the Raiders got caught in an unnecessary bidding war for a replaceable position, burning money that could have been better utilized addressing actual roster needs or depth at skill positions.

Performance Analysis

Alex Ward grades at a D as the Raiders long snapper, a specialist role where you only want to hear the player's name when something goes wrong. Ward has been adequate in the snapping department but has not been perfect, with occasional inconsistencies that have affected the rhythm of Las Vegas's kicking game. Long snapping is the most thankless job in football, and Ward occupies it without fanfare. The Raiders need reliable special teams play, and Ward has been good enough to hold the job without being so bad that they need to make a change. He exists in that specialist purgatory of anonymity.

Fan Sentiment

A low-stakes futures contract signing at long snapper carries minimal roster impact. Five headlines covered the move, mostly roster-filler reporting with no real analytical depth. Reserve/Future contracts signal Ward is a camp body competing for a depth specialist role. Fans barely noticed, as long snapper signings rarely generate meaningful discussion or excitement. Ward faces an uphill battle making the 53-man roster against established competition.