Corey Luciano is back in the NFL.
The 49ers waived the former starter at center on Montlake in May, but a new opportunity has arisen right as teams begin training camp. Luciano signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday, adding depth to the interior of their offensive line.
Luciano played in two games for the 49ers as a rookie last season after signing with San Francisco as an undrafted free agent. He played in 35 games at Washington, starting all 13 games of the 2022 season as a senior. Before Washington, he played one season of junior college football at Diablo Valley in 2017 and then sat out the 2018 season.
Las Vegas signed starting center Andre James to a three-year, $24 million contract extension in March and brought in veteran Cody Whitehair as a primary backup this offseason, so the path to a roster spot isn’t exactly a clear one for Luciano. He could, however, repeat last year’s performance with San Francisco.
Luciano did not make the 53-man roster for the 49ers but signed to the practice squad and was elevated for his two games of action as additional offensive line depth later in the season.
That could be a lucrative position in Las Vegas, who have left tackle Kolton Miller and rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson on the physically unable to perform list to open training camp.
Guard Jake Johanning was waived with an injury designation to make room for Luciano on the roster.