With training camp underway and a loaded roster to boot, there will be plenty of competition as roster cuts will begin to dominate the news. The Las Vegas Raiders were no strangers to free agency as they brought in several free agents this offseason, which saw the team sign seven offensive players out of the total signees. There’s no question the offense has gotten better through the draft and free agency, but there can only be a select few who make the final roster.
3 Potential Offensive Cuts During Raiders Training Camp
Ameer Abdullah
The Raiders had a solid running back squad with Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake leading the group. Nevertheless, the Raiders brought in several more running backs via free agency and the draft. The team brought in a familiar face for head coach Josh McDaniels, signing Brandon Bolden in free agency. In addition, they drafted Zamir White back in April. Ameer Abdullah has bounced around the league throughout his career. His most productive years were during his Detroit Lions stint (2015-2017).
It’s highly likely that Abdullah will be nothing more than a camp body. That’s a more plausible scenario than being part of a running back committee. It’s especially true when you have White and Bolden waiting in the wings behind Jacobs and Drake.
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Nick Mullens
With Derek Carr being paired with his former college teammate and best friend, Davante Adams, the Raiders want to make sure that, in the worst-case scenario, the team has a backup that has the potential and ability to lead the team for the time being if Carr were to go down. Trading for Davante Adams has given Raiders quarterback Derek Carr a surefire weapon.
However, injuries happen, and that means that Las Vegas wants a competent backup behind Carr. To address this, they made a trade with the New England Patriots in the offseason that landed quarterback Jarrett Stidham. He’s a young and talented signal-caller that is familiar with McDaniels. Nick Mullens has provided a lot at the backup position throughout his career and has shown flashes of potential when given the chance to start. Unfortunately, with Stidham and rookie Chase Garbers coming in, the team will most likely move on from Mullens during training camp.
Mack Hollins
The Raiders have always had questionable, head-scratching cuts or trades of talent during training camp. This year will probably not be any different. Despite several additions to the wide receiver group, there can only be a select few that make the final roster. Mack Hollins is coming from Miami, where he had a decent season, posting decent numbers for the snaps he received. Most notably, Hollins caught four touchdowns, averaging more than 13 yards per reception. Unfortunately, that’s not the type of production that guarantees a roster spot. With a lot of youth at the wide receiver position, the team could go with one of the younger guys and move on from Hollins before the start of the season.
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*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal