Additions and Subtractions
As previously mentioned, the Raiders dealt Conley to the Texans about halfway through the year. His time in Houston was certainly better than it was in Oakland, however, Bill O’Brien and company apparently still aren’t sold on the former first-round pick as the organization declined to pick up his fifth-year option. He’ll likely make the roster in 2020 but without a long-term contract, the former Buckeye’s stay in the Lone Star State could be rather brief.
Speaking of Texas, Worley was an unrestricted free agent this offseason and agreed to a one-year $3 million contract with Dallas. While the Cowboys lost their top cornerback, Byron Jones, the former Raider will still be battling for a roster spot in training camp. The organization has a few solid returners at the position and added three more quality players through free agency and the draft.
Of course, head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock weren’t just sellers when it came to cornerbacks this offseason, as they added a handful of quality players.
The first addition came via the NFL Draft as Las Vegas spent the 19th overall selection on Damon Arnette. This pick came as a bit of a surprise to many since most analysts viewed him as a second- or third-rounder. However, Gruden and Mayock have sung high praises of the Ohio State product over the last month, and he projects to get quite a bit of playing team in year one.
After Arnette, the organization wasn’t done looking for improvements at the position as Amik Robertson rounded out the draft class. The former Bulldog has received a lot of love since he was drafted as many are calling him one of the biggest “steals” in the draft. Sliding inside and playing nickel might be the fourth-round pick’s best opportunity to see the field in 2020, but regardless, he’ll have a chance to make a big impact as a rookie.
Just when everyone thought Gruden and Mayock were done wheeling and dealing, they added one more veteran cornerback into the mix with Prince Amukamara. The nine-year pro spent his last three seasons with the Chicago Bears where he put together an impressive campaign in 2018, allowing a measly 6.8 yards per target and passer rating of 75.3. He’ll have a chance to earn a starting spot and add some much-needed experience to the position group for the Raiders.