Raiders sign Irons

The Raiders welcomed back Grant Irons to the team today, signing the unrestricted free agent linebacker to an undisclosed deal.

The 28-year old Irons spent the 2003-06 seasons with the Raiders, primarily in a reserve role at OLB and DE. He was also a solid special teams contributor during that time. He's expected to compete for a roster spot as a reserve strongside linebacker behind Robert Thomas.

The Notre Dame product was out of football for the 2007 season after having his 2006 season cut short when Oakland placed him on Injured Reserve on Oct. 25 after he herniated a lumbar disk in his spine.

Irons entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2002 when he was signed by the Buffalo Bills.

The 6-5, 285 pound native of Texas has appeared in 41 NFL games (started three), logging 29 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Irons is the son of Gerald Irons, who played for the Raiders from 1970-75.