Las Vegas Raiders: Ranking players most likely to be cut or traded

3. Raiders CB Lamarcus Joyner

Savings if cut: $8.7 million

Lamarcus Joyner isn’t ranked in the top two for a couple of reasons.

We have no idea how the Raiders feel about leftover cash for a player who’s not on the roster during an offseason with a depressed salary cap. Lamarcus Joyner’s contract would leave $2.5 million in dead money if the Raiders released him.

Secondly, Amik Robertson didn’t show enough on the field through his rookie term to earn the coaching staff’s trust in handling the slot position full time. He only played 35 defensive snaps, allowing four completions out of six targets for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Fans should exercise patience with Robertson. As a collegian at Louisiana Tech, he lined up as an outside cornerback, which is a different position from the slot. Even if the Raiders cut Joyner, new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley may want an experienced veteran in the spot over someone who’s barely played the position.

In 2020, Joyner had an OK season. At times, he flashed, but the seven-year defensive back didn’t make many impact plays, recording 66 tackles, six for loss and five pass breakups through 14 contests.

Bradley and his assistants may want to bring in their own ideal slot defender, though a new set of eyes could also renew Joyner’s tenure with the team.

Joyner’s future may depend on who’s available on the free-agent market. As a slot cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Hilton has made plays all over the field, recording 32 pass breakups, seven interceptions, 30 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. If the Raiders could afford him, he’s a clear upgrade over their starter at the position.