Raiders 2022 preseason: Surprise cut candidates after game No. 2
Kenyan Drake
Josh Jacobs, Brandon Bolden and surprisingly, Ameer Abdullah didn’t play for the Raiders against the Vikings, which means they likely have their spots solidified. The Raiders rolled out fourth-round pick Zamir White and 2021 free agent signee Kenyan Drake as their go-to running backs in preseason game No. 2.
It is a clear battle between Abdullah and Drake for the 3rd down running back role in Josh McDaniels’ offense and it looks like Abdullah has the lead. Drake is recovering from a brutal injury and was once a top back in the NFL, so it still feels like a surprise if the new regime opts to retain Abdullah, a career journey man, over Drake.
Drake reworked his contract this year, so cutting him also comes with a massive $8 million dead cap hit, if cut. The smart move seems to be to hold onto the veteran back who has proven to be a good running back and solid kick returner, rather than a journeyman.
However, if the new regime feels like Abdullah is markedly better than Drake, they look likely to keep the veteran Abdullah. Drake did still play ahead of Brittain Brown and Austin Walter, but he needs to prove he can fill a major role for the Raiders.