Even though Alex Leatherwood now finds himself with the Chicago Bears, one can’t but wonder what his thoughts were on leaving the Las Vegas Raiders. The organization that drafted him in the first round last season essentially gave up on him and bounced him after just one year. In the Raiders’ defense, this current brain trust isn’t the one responsible for having drafted him.
General manager Dave Ziegler, in his first offseason, has already proved he owes nothing to previous draft selections. If anything, 2022 is a tryout year for many key members. That’s especially true for the slew of previous draft picks that had their fifth-year options declined. As for Leatherwood, it was assumed that he’d have at least a year under new head coach Josh McDaniels to get things going after a rough rookie year. However, the coaching staff insisted on playing him at a tackle spot. In hindsight, that clearly stunted any progress he’d made as a guard. The decision to not simply stick him inside and work with him there will forever be a topic of discussion. Nevertheless, the team moved on and cut Leatherwood, despite attempts by Ziegler to arrange a trade.
Raiders News: Alex Leatherwood kept things professional
Now in the Windy City, Leatherwood was recently asked to comment on his underwhelming run and exit from the Silver and Black. Much to the surprise of some, Leatherwood was all business and kept things straightforward.
“It’s a new opportunity. I feel like what they have going on here is great. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Via the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Leatherwood made sure not to throw shade at anyone from the Raiders’ organization, much less any teammates or anyone else. His release was strictly a business decision. Additionally, by all accounts, McDaniels was appreciative of Leatherwood’s attempts to fit into his team. In the end, it just wasn’t enough for all parties involved. As a member of the Bears, Leatherwood has already made it a point that he’ll play anywhere he’s needed. Undoubtedly one of the biggest busts in Raiders’ history, one can only root for Leatherwood and his attempts to get his NFL career going.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
