It has long been clear Jack Jones will occupy a starting spot as a perimeter corner for the Raiders this season. Likewise, Nate Hobbs is positioned to serve in a first-team role in the slot. Second-year cover man Jakorian Bennett will begin the campaign as a starter opposite Jones, but the team’s depth beyond those three is an area of concern.
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This week will offer the opportunity to add players let go during roster cutdowns, a period which always sees plenty of movement with teams taking a flier at positions of need in advance of Week 1. For Las Vegas, that could lead to a rotational contributor being added in the secondary. Based on head coach Antonio Pierce‘s comments, experience will be a key factor targeted in any potential addition.
“I’m not a believer of throwing young cornerbacks out there early if they’re not quite ready,” Pierce said (via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal). “If we can get better, we need to get better.”
Brandon Facyson missed considerable time during training camp due to an undisclosed injury, Bonsignore adds. That kept the 29-year-old out of the preseason altogether, limiting the Raiders’ ability to evaluate him. Facyson was added on a two-year deal last offseason, and his play when healthy could shape the overall performance of the cornerback room. Facyson was limited to just three games last year, though, so his injury status will be worth watching closely.
Rookies Decamerion Richardson and M.J. Devonshire have seen an increased workload during the summer in the wake of Facyson’s absence, but relying on them in the regular season is a situation the Raiders will be looking to avoid by making a move in the coming days. A number of cornerbacks will be available on the waiver wire next week, and some veterans may be let go before cutdown day (August 27) as teams allow them a head start on finding a new opportunity.
Vegas was previously linked to avoiding any big-ticket free agent moves, and that will remain the case even if a flier is taken in the near future on a depth cornerback. With nearly $35MM in cap space, the team will have plenty of flexibility while exploring options on the market ahead of Week 1.
