The Las Vegas Raiders haven’t exactly been NFL free agency’s best friend lately. In fact, you could argue there have been more misses than hits, so to speak. Remember when they signed Tyrell Williams, Lamarcus Joyner, and most recently, Chandler Jones, to lucrative contracts? None of them lived up to the hefty investments that the Raiders made. Far too often, the Silver and Black’s brass whiffed on signings and were careless with how finances were handled. While you can say that all teams make bad calls on free agents from time to time, for the Raiders, it’s been endemic. This past NFL season showed how underwhelming draft classes and free agent misses came back to haunt the Raiders.
Now that the team looks ahead to 2023, here are a handful of players who likely won’t be coming back.
Who’s not coming back for the 2023 NFL season?
No. 1: Raiders TE Foster Moreau
Foster Moreau had the opportunity to prove his worth while Darren Waller was out with an injury. Despite the chance, Moreau chose not to take it. Moreau made errors such as poor ball security, drops, and a lack of situational awareness during his few starts. These things won’t work, and after Waller’s comeback, it became clear who the Raiders’ starting tight end should be going forward. The Raiders could retain Moreau to be a backup, but somebody will pay him to be a starter, but that won’t be them.
No. 2: Raiders OT Brandon Parker
Brandon Parker appeared to be the Raiders’ starting right tackle at the start of the season. But Parker didn’t play a single snap for the Raiders in 2022 because of a triceps injury sustained in the preseason. It was clear that Parker’s injuries prevented him from taking advantage of his final opportunity to impress the Raiders. In Parker’s stead, Jermaine Eluemunor stepped in and performed admirably. While Eluemunor isn’t the long-term answer, his play was likely better than any performance that Parker would’ve trotted out.
Parker’s subpar play and injury problems throughout his time with the Silver and Black ought to be enough grounds for them to let him go. Another indictment of Parker was Dave Ziegler drafting Thayer Munford to potentially replace him. Given what we saw from the rookie in 2022, Parker’s services will no longer be needed.
No. 3: Raiders CB Anthony Averett
Anthony Averett was acquired by Ziegler to fight for a starting position in the Raiders’ secondary. Averett struggled with injuries and didn’t recover. Whenever he was on the field, Averett was a huge liability for Patrick Graham’s defense. Once he put on the Raiders’ uniform, it appeared as though he had forgotten how to play cornerback. For example, he never scored a Pro Football Focus coverage grade higher than 65.9 in games played. The only exception was in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars (71.7). However, Averett surrendered an average of nearly 15 yards per reception when he saw the field. Quite frankly, the Raiders should’ve seen enough after one season.
No. 4: Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah
Ziegler and Josh McDaniels signed three running backs and drafted one in the offseason, demonstrating how much they value them. Las Vegas signed Ameer Abdullah to be their third-down runner, but he provided very little value. Abdullah is a capable pass receiver but provides very little in the running game. It should also be noted that Abdullah doesn’t provide much in terms of pass-blocking either, sporting a 29.8 PFF grade in that department for 2022. Going forward, Zamir White and UDFA Sincere McCormick should play larger roles because both of them are more talented than Abdullah. Moving ahead, there is no reason to spend a roster slot on Abdullah. At the same time, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if McDaniels has another stable of running backs in 2023.
No. 5: Raiders LB Jayon Brown
A full makeover might be in order for the Raiders’ linebacker room. While Denzel Perryman is a saving grace, his long-term status is not known. Meanwhile, Jayon Brown was signed to try to change people’s perceptions of the Raiders’ linebackers, but he had no effect. Brown was plagued by injuries throughout the season. He was really horrible, even when he was healthy and playing. Brown was a liability in pass defense and struggled with tackling. Fortunately, Brown only agreed to a one-year contract, so the Raiders can cut ties ahead of this NFL season.
*Top Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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