The Las Vegas Raiders made a move that seemed to be a no-brainer on Monday, as they plan to release defensive back, Lamarcus Joyner. A prized free-agent signing in 2019, Joyner never really got going with the Raiders, playing out of position as the nickel corner, and was scheduled to make too much money in 2021.
By releasing Joyner, the Raiders save nearly $10 million in cap space, and he is just the latest in several cuts to get the finances on track. Las Vegas has already cut Tyrell Williams, Gabe Jackson, and Richie Incognito this offseason, three big-money contracts that needed to come off the books as they look to take the next step in being a playoff contender.
Las Vegas still has a lot of work to do in terms of the cap number, as they are looking to make a bunch of changes, especially on the defensive side of the ball. For Joyner, the fit just was not there in Las Vegas, and he should be a sought-after player in free agency.
Raiders making the right move releasing Joyner
Looking at his production, and his salary number, the Raiders cutting Joyner was absolutely the right move at this point. He played out of position with the Silver and Black, and looked lost at times in Paul Guenther’s scheme, and apparently would not have been a good fit for Gus Bradley either.
With this move, the Raiders could allow Amik Robertson, a 2020 draft pick who barely saw the field as a rookie this past season. Robertson was brought in to challenge Joyner as a slot corner, and with Joyner gone, Bradley is going to have to take a long look at him this offseason.
We expected this to be a crazy offseason for the Raiders, and they certainly have not disappointed so far. They are creating more holes than they had to end the 2020 season, but Joyner was not someone who made an impact for the team through his two years with the franchise, so this move was for the best for both parties.