The Las Vegas Raiders are currently in the red but can get under the cap by releasing a few players. There’s a report they plan to move on from Tyrell Williams but Lamarcus Joyner could be on his way out too.
Lamarcus Joyner’s future with the Raiders looks gloomy
The Raiders are $18 million over the cap but can quickly get their books in order by parting ways with a few veterans whose performance hasn’t been on par with their salary. Williams, who missed the 2020 season, and Joyner are the two most likely candidates to get the pink slip. There is no official news the Silver and Black will release the defensive back at the time of writing. Nevertheless, it may be just a matter of time before a report arises.
Las Vegas gave a four-year $42 million contract to Joyner back in 2019. The Florida State product was coming off a season in which he allowed a 54 completion rate and registered one interception and three passes defensed. He showed up at number 13 in Pro Football Focus’ top 50 free agent list that year. Moreover, he was their fourth-best graded cornerback in man coverage from 2017 to 2019.
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Should Lamarcus Joyner shoulder the blame?
Joyner’s success with the Los Angeles Rams didn’t carry over to the Raiders. He has struggled in pass coverage and hasn’t forced a turnover in his two-year stint. However, the Silver and Black might not have put him in a position to succeed. They forced the Florida native to play out of position and pegged him in the slot even though he thrived as a safety for the Rams.
Keep in mind that most of the Raiders’ free-agent additions in the last two years haven’t panned out. Other than linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, many of the players they have signed have been solid with their previous teams have regressed in Las Vegas. Although Joyner deserves some of the blame for his performance in the last two seasons, former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s scheme didn’t do his players any favors.
It’s possible that Guenther’s system didn’t suit Joyner’s skill set. If the Raiders release him, he should have no problems finding work and if he succeeds, Las Vegas will have to take a good look at the mirror. In the meantime, it’s fair to say things didn’t work out for either Joyner or the Raiders.
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