Cornerback Jack Jones is expected to leave the Las Vegas Raiders after two seasons with the team. Jones, 27, was acquired from the waiver pool in 2023 and recorded five interceptions and three pick-sixes in 24 games. His play was inconsistent, and his position with the team became uncertain after head coach Antonio Pierce, who had coached him in high school and college, departed, according to AP News.
The Las Vegas Raiders have announced a cornerback change that will save the team $3.4 million on the salary cap. Despite a strong 2024 season where he recorded 69 tackles and defended 16 passes, cornerback Jones was not retained. Jones allowed nine touchdowns and posted a passer rating of 108.9, prompting the Raiders to seek improvements in their defensive lineup, as per ESPN.
Nate Hobbs' move to the Green Bay Packers leaves the Raiders with Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson, M.J. Devonshire, Kyu Blu Kelly, Eric Stokes, and Darnay Holmes as their cornerbacks. Bennett, Stokes, and Richardson play on the outside, while Holmes plays the nickel position. General Manager John Spytek said, "The nickel is a critical spot in Pete [Carroll]'s and [defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's] defense," and "We stress the importance of that position in our defense. They're asked to do a lot, and they can be hard to find," as mentioned by ESPN. The Raiders may target Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in the first round of the draft, with Maxwell Hairston and Trey Amos also potential picks later on.
