In yet another notable development during this training camp, the Las Vegas Raiders have traded Jakorian Bennett—much to Raider Nation’s chagrin.
The Raiders’ decision to ship 2023 fourth-round cornerback Jakorian Bennett to the Eagles in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV left Raider Nation buzzing—and divided.
On one hand, Bennett had become a fan-favorite sleeper over the past year, showcasing speed, toughness, and the kind of swagger that the Raider Nation admires in their cornerbacks. However, despite a promising rookie campaign, he reportedly did not align with new head coach Pete Carroll’s long-standing preference for tall, rangy perimeter corners.
Measuring in under the classic Carroll size threshold, Bennett found himself slipping down a suddenly crowded depth chart as players like Darien Porter and newly acquired Erik Stokes appeared to be better schematic fits. When the Raiders cut Christian Wilkins earlier in training camp, it opened up a glaring hole on the interior defensive line—and that’s where this deal comes into focus.
Booker IV, whom multiple analysts described as a twitchy, high-motor disruptor with legitimate upside as a run defender, gives Carroll and general manager John Spytek an affordable shot at building out the DT rotation. Some fans praised the bold move, but now there’s overwhelming concern.
The Raiders faced swift backlash on social media, with many questioning why they would discard a young, rising cover man who seemed poised to make a significant impact. Some, like @GraphkRaider, called it a “landslide win” for Philadelphia regardless of scheme fit.
So was it smart team-building by Vegas, addressing a major roster need with a surplus asset? Or did the Silver & Black just sacrifice upside at a premier position because a new regime couldn’t figure out how to use him?
Raider Nation reacts to the Jakorian Bennett trade…
How can you say won a trade before either player suits up?
— RedNation43 (@SLRaider42) August 5, 2025
Jakorian Bennette didn’t fit the Pete Carroll mold. Carroll always loved tall lanky corners with range. Someone like Darien Porter and Erik Stokes fit that mold. We might have just acquired our best DT1 in Thomas Booker IV. Twitchy, aggressive, and relentless against the run.… pic.twitter.com/huQ6Bllq5y
— Optimistic Raider (@planetraider) August 5, 2025
Time will tell who won this trade. I am not familiar enough with Thomas Booker’s game, and I think a mistake was made with Bennett.
We shall see.
— Phil Robinson III (@PhilRobinsonIII) August 5, 2025
Welp there is your answer on JB and get a DT in return to add to that Defensive line group https://t.co/UdngpqSkOi
— Your Boy Q (@YourboyQ254) August 5, 2025
I had a feeling Pete wasn’t high on Jakorian because he doesn’t fit his type of corner, my real issue is I just don’t like them trading with Howie, he usually fleeces so that’s bad business but we’ll see.
— RICH (@RRICH1990) August 5, 2025
Between this JPJ limbo with the second team and them trading JB im no longer trusting this regime. They now have to prove that they don’t suck
— happy gilmore (@todaloc) August 5, 2025
Who mad at the trade?
— Mic Tyson (@bigcory00) August 5, 2025
Bennett and Witherspoon (drafted top ten by Carroll) have basically the same build – gotta be something more going on
— John m (@john_m_98) August 5, 2025
One thing is certain: Raider Nation will be closely monitoring both Bennett in midnight green and Booker IV in Silver and Black this fall.
Related: Raiders Shake Up Training Camp Again
*Top Photo: Getty Images