Raiders’ Cornerback Situation: Evaluating the Current State Before Free Agency
With free agency just a month away, it’s time to assess where the Las Vegas Raiders stand at cornerback. Are they in good shape, or is this position in urgent need of reinforcements? Based on the current roster and pending free agents, the cornerback unit falls into one of five conditions: Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical. So, where do the Raiders stand?
Current Roster Breakdown
Starters: Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett
Backups: DeCamerion Richardson, Sam Webb, Kyu Blu Kelly, MJ Devonshire, Keenan Isaac
Pending Free Agents: Nate Hobbs, Darnay Holmes
At the beginning of last season, the Raiders relied on a trio of Jones, Bennett, and Hobbs to hold down the secondary. At first, things seemed promising—Bennett, in particular, looked like a legitimate outside cornerback who could develop into a long-term starter. But as is often the case in the NFL, injuries changed everything. Bennett was sidelined midway through the season, and just a week later, Hobbs was out as well. This left Jones as the lone remaining starter for most of the year. He had his moments, finishing the season with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. However, overall, the cornerback unit struggled, and depth became a glaring issue.
Current Condition: Serious
The Raiders’ cornerback situation is in serious condition heading into free agency. It’s not quite at the level of “critical,” but there are some major concerns that need to be addressed. The biggest priority? Re-signing Nate Hobbs.
Hobbs is hands down the best corner on this roster. As one of the top nickel corners in the league, he brings a rare skill set that allows him to thrive in coverage while also excelling as a run stopper. His ability to shut down the slot while also being physical in the open field makes him an essential piece of the defense. Losing him would be a major setback for the Raiders, so securing a new deal with him should be at the top of their to-do list.
Evaluating the Depth Chart
Aside from Jones, who had an up-and-down season, the Raiders don’t have much certainty at cornerback. Jakorian Bennett showed promise early on but missed a significant portion of the season due to injury. If he can return to form, he could be a reliable starting outside cornerback, but that remains to be seen.
The depth beyond the starters is even more concerning. DeCamerion Richardson, Sam Webb, Kyu Blu Kelly, MJ Devonshire, and Keenan Isaac don’t inspire much confidence at this stage. None of them have shown enough to suggest they can step into a starting role if needed. If the Raiders want to compete, they must bring in additional talent, either through free agency or the draft.
The Jack Jones Factor
Jack Jones had an interesting season. On one hand, he managed to lead the team in interceptions and even took one back for a touchdown. On the other hand, his performance was inconsistent, and there’s some uncertainty about how he’ll fare moving forward. One major question mark? How will he perform without Antonio Pierce?
Pierce, who was both Jones’ high school and college coach, played a significant role in his development. With the coaching situation changing, it remains to be seen if Jones will continue to grow or if his progress will stall. If he struggles, the Raiders’ cornerback situation could go from “serious” to outright “critical” very quickly.
Free Agency Strategy: What’s Next?
So, where do the Raiders go from here?
1. Re-sign Nate Hobbs
This is priority number one. Hobbs is too valuable to lose, and securing him should be at the top of the team’s list. If they let him walk, they’ll be left scrambling for a replacement in a market where top-tier nickel corners don’t come cheap.
2. Find a Reliable Veteran Cornerback
With the uncertainty surrounding Bennett and Jones, the Raiders need to bring in a reliable veteran who can step in as a starter if needed. Whether that’s through free agency or a trade, adding a proven, experienced corner should be a major focus.
3. Add Depth in the Draft
The Raiders would be wise to use one of their early picks on a cornerback. The 2024 draft class has some intriguing talent, and finding a young, athletic playmaker to develop would be a smart move. They can’t afford to rely solely on their current depth options, who haven’t shown much promise so far.
Final Thoughts
The Raiders’ cornerback situation isn’t in complete disaster mode, but it’s definitely trending in the wrong direction. They have one solid piece in Hobbs (if re-signed), an uncertain young talent in Bennett, and a wild card in Jones. Beyond that, depth is a serious concern. The good news? The Raiders have options. By making the right moves in free agency and the draft, they can turn this position into a strength rather than a weakness.
As we inch closer to free agency, all eyes will be on how the Raiders approach their secondary. Will they lock up Hobbs and bring in reinforcements? Or will they roll the dice and hope their young corners can step up? One thing is certain—this is a position they can’t afford to ignore.
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