Las Vegas Raiders sign Buddy Johnson

Buddy Johnson's one-year, $1.145M signing represents a below-market value proposition at a time when Las Vegas is cycling through depth additions in the preseason window. At $1.145M on a prove-it deal, the club is paying modest money for a reserve linebacker role — the kind of transaction that works only if Johnson delivers immediate, plug-and-play impact to justify even low-cost roster space. The D+ Contract Value Index (CVI) reflects a deal where the cost-to-contribution math doesn't generate enough surplus value: you're paying full-freight (relative to the role) for a depth piece rather than getting a genuine bargain on a contributor. For comparison, starting-caliber linebackers at the franchise level command $8M–$12M AAV; Johnson's salary is roughly 12% of that range, which should signal exceptional production or injury-replacement value to hit bargain territory, and the preseason timeline suggests neither is the case here. The one-year structure is a smart hedge for the organization — no long-term cap commitment — but it also signals the club views this as a short-term fill rather than a retained asset, limiting the deal's upside if Johnson outperforms. This is a get-what-you-pay-for signing that carries minimal downside risk but generates no value gain; Raiders are essentially paying market rate for a backup linebacker in the offseason talent pool.