The Las Vegas Raiders signed offensive lineman Niklas Henning on May 3, 2026, following his performance at a three-day rookie minicamp. Henning, the second overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, secured an NFL contract after appearing as a tryout player for the organization.
The six-foot-six, 298-pound blocker from Queen’s University participated in the Raiders’ camp from May 1 to May 3. According to 3DownNation, Henning’s agreement with Las Vegas means he will no longer attend the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie minicamp previously scheduled for May 7.
Henning’s rights in the Canadian Football League remain with the Toronto Argonauts, who selected him on April 28. Raiders Wire reported that the Raiders front office has expanded its talent search beyond standard U.S. college prospects by inviting multiple international and undrafted athletes to Las Vegas.
A former tight end, Henning transitioned to the offensive line after scouts at the 2024 U Sports East-West Bowl noted his length and blocking potential. He subsequently earned first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star honors and helped Queen’s University secure the 117th Yates Cup in 2025.
Physical testing at the 2026 CFL Combine highlighted Henning’s mobility, where he recorded a 4.90-second 40-yard dash and a 31.5-inch vertical jump. He also demonstrated strength by completing 27 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press according to data from 3DownNation.
Born in Germany and raised in Milton, Ontario, Henning is one of two Raiders rookies with CFL ties this season. Kicker Kansei Matsuzawa, a second-round pick in the CFL Global Draft, also joined the roster following his collegiate career at Hawaii.
The Raiders’ off-season program will continue with organized team activities throughout May and June. The team is scheduled to hold its mandatory minicamp from June 6 through June 11, where Henning will compete for a permanent spot on the active roster.