Las Vegas Raiders: What does the waiving of Tanner Muse mean?

Feb 28, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Clemson defensive back Tanner Muse (DB55) speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Clemson defensive back Tanner Muse (DB55) speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Linebacker Tanner Muse #55 and quarterback Nathan Peterman #3 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after the team’s 20-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders: What does the waiving of Tanner Muse mean?

What does this say about the draft picks?

So, Muse is gone. He may come back as a practice squad player, but for now, he’s no longer a member of the Las Vegas Raiders organization. But is there more to Muse being cut than just being a routine roster move?

In a way, this shows us the issues that Las Vegas has had with their rebuild and draft selection, as the team has been notorious for seemingly overreaching in the draft. It started with the selection of Clelin Ferrell, who was selected fourth overall when many saw him as a late first-rounder.

Since his selection, he hasn’t really had the impact one would expect from an edge rusher selected that high. He’s had some good moments for sure, but he hasn’t been able to live up to the void left by Kahlil Mack.

Then there are players like Damon Arnette and Johnathan Abram, two players who have yet to pan out as the star-studded, first-round picks that they were expected to be. Even Henry Ruggs has yet to prove that he can be Las Vegas’ version of Tyreek Hill. Now, many of these players have a real chance at progressing and improving in 2021, especially the defensive players that have found themselves in a new system.

Unfortunately for Muse, he won’t have that same luxury. Instead, he’ll join players like Lynn Bowden Jr. and Isaiah Johnson on the list of draft picks that never panned out for Las Vegas.

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