The 2021 NFL season is far from commencing but Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson’s in trouble already.
Lawson hasn’t exactly been a Pro Bowl-caliber player for the Silver and Black but he’s been a starting cornerback since 2019. Yet, doesn’t have much to show for it. In fact, he has never had an interception over his seven-year career in the NFL.Â
Surrendering 59 receptions and seven touchdowns over the last two years is more indicative of how poorly the Raiders’ pass defense has been. Regardless, things aren’t getting any better for Lawson after some big news dropped this week. For the second time since last year, Lawson is facing a suspension. This time, it’ll be to open the season.
#Raiders CB Nevin Lawson has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) April 2, 2021
The Las Vegas Raiders will be short-handed at cornerback to start 2021
As Josh Dubow of the Associated Press shared via Twitter, Lawson’s suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy will last two games.
It’s strange when you consider if Lawson is indeed taking performance enhancers, you wouldn’t know it from his play on the field. Last year’s suspension stemmed from an illegal hit in Week 17 of 2019 as Dubow pointed out. Fans have to be wondering what does the team’s brass see in Lawson after these snafus and overall performance. It’s also plausible that a lack of depth has led the team to keep Lawson around.
Per Pro Football Focus, Lawson’s overall grade was 55.6 last year, which was a drop-off from 63.1 in 2019. Missing Lawson the first two games could definitely hurt the team considering the lack of depth in the defensive backfield. He will earn a $1 million contract in 2021 and it’s unlikely he’s going anywhere but we’ll have to wait and see how 2021 plays out for Lawson.
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*Top Photo: Andy Cross/The Denver Post