Raiders updates: Mack back in the AFC West, Cory Littleton waived, and more
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 10: Nathan Peterman #3 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball as Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears defends during the second half at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 10: Nathan Peterman #3 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball as Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears defends during the second half at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1345897269-850x560-75b17b46a025592099cf03039410922e5df3a1693617da84234fe2856c2c0ad3.jpg)
Cutting ties with Cory Littleton
Prepping for their first year as the Las Vegas Raiders, Littleton was signed to a three-year deal in the 2020 off-season worth up to $35 million.
Unfortunately, the harsh truth is Littleton never lived up to that contract. Over his two years in Vegas, the linebacker recovered a fumble and recorded six tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The most alarming stat was the 17.2% missed tackles in 2020, although that number would come back down to earth this past year.
With a hole now at linebacker, watch out for Kyle Van Noy. The former Patriot isn’t the flashiest name, but a flashy name isn’t what the Raiders need. Not only can Van Noy play all three of the linebacker spots, but he can do anything that’s asked of him.
It’s important to note Nate Hobbs played 76% of all defensive snaps last season, and Denzel Perryman, who was a Pro Bowler just a season ago, is returning to hold down the fort. Taking both of these things into account, the Raiders don’t need a second star at linebacker; They need someone who can outperform Littleton – Which rookie Divine Deablo did last year.
Littleton will be designated as a post-June 1st cut. After this date, Las Vegas will free up $11.75 million. The bad news is, there will consequentially be around $10 million of dead cap to eat in 2023.