It doesn’t take a genius to see that the Las Vegas Raiders are headed for some massive roster turnover.
The 2022 NFL season hasn’t been kind to Raider Nation, and that’s putting it lightly. Both fans and the media are responsible for creating a massive hype train around the Silver and Black. Coming off of a playoff berth (a first since 2016) last season, Raiders fans fully expected their team to be in the hunt once again.
Instead, they’ve been treated to a 2-7 record and increasing odds that the Raiders will have a top-five pick next April.
To be fair, the Raiders’ incoming duo of general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels inherited a roster devoid of talent. This was especially true on the defensive side of the ball. Looking back at the draft selections during Jon Gruden’s tenure, the many whiffed picks came back to haunt the team this year. The last first-round choice of Gruden and ex-GM Mike Mayock, Alex Leatherwood, isn’t even on the squad anymore.
That’s just pitiful scouting and preparation.
Give credit to Ziegler and Co. where it’s due; he made sure to secure several key players. Most notably, it appears Maxx Crosby was the best of the bunch. The others who received new deals have fallen off. Hunter Renfrow has been ineffective in McDaniels’ offense, Darren Waller can’t stay healthy, and Derek Carr has finally been broken.
Luckily for Ziegler, several contracts are expected to come off the books. In all likelihood, most of these players are seeing their final days with the Raiders. Barring a miraculous turnaround, let’s take a look at some of these contributors who more than likely are on their way out as Ziegler rebuilds the roster.