Canadian Niklas Henning signs practice squad contract with Las Vegas Raiders: sources

Photo courtesy: Matt Aguirre/Las Vegas Raiders.

Canadian offensive lineman Niklas Henning has signed a practice squad contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, per sources.

The 23-year-old can earn $247,500 if he remains on the practice squad for the entire season, $13,750 per week. If the Raiders call him up to the active roster, he could earn $52,058.83 per game.

Henning played 59 snaps in three preseason games with Las Vegas and allowed one pressure, while earning a 59.3 grade according to Pro Football Focus. He spent organized team activities and training camp with the Raiders after signing a contract following rookie mini-camp with the team from May 1 through May 3.

At the 2026 CFL Combine, Henning ran a 4.90-second 40-yard dash, 4.82-second short shuttle, and 7.77 three-cone drill. He also recorded a 31.5-inch vertical jump, a nine-foot, six-inch broad jump, and repped 225 pounds 27 times on the bench press. That performance, combined with his collegiate tape brought about NFL interest.

The six-foot-six, 308-pound blocker was selected second overall in the 2026 CFL Draft, which was held on Tuesday, April 28. He was picked by the Toronto Argonauts, who own his CFL rights in perpetuity.

Henning was named a first-team Ontario University Athletics conference all-star and second-team All-Canadian after helping Queen’s University win the 117th Yates Cup in 2025. He’s an ultra-athletic lineman represented by longtime partners Craig Schaeffer and Fred Weinrauch.

In 2024, Henning auditioned for CFL teams at the U Sports East-West Bowl as a tight end. The then-255-pounder was named a second-team All-Canadian for his performance during the 2023 collegiate season, registering seven receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown.

According to 3DownNation reporter J.C. Abbott, CFL scouts felt Henning’s size, length, and blocking ability would be better suited to playing offensive line. After discussions with the Queen’s coaching staff, he embraced a move to right tackle.

Henning was born outside Munich, Germany, and his family came to Canada when he was two years old. He was raised in Milton, Ont., and attended Craig Kielburger Secondary School.