3 surprise cuts the Raiders could make this offseason

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs for a 2-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Lamarcus Joyner #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the second half at RingCentral Coliseum on December 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

2. Lamarcus Joyner

Unlike Heath, Joyner was not a productive starter for Gruden in 2020. His final season PFF grade of 53.8 accurately depicts him as one of the team’s worst starting defenders from a season ago.

Cutting him would also save Vegas a whopping $8.7 million in salary. That’s a big number for a team that believes it’s a player or two away from returning to the postseason. At the very least, it seems likely that the Raiders can obtain a superior safety in free agency for that level of investment.

Add it all up and things don’t look good for Joyner’s future in Las Vegas. The only potential saving grace he has is that he does seem to be an ideal fit for Bradley’s base cover-3 scheme in the secondary. Joyner lacks the size to hold up in double safety looks, but he is a good cover guy who might really thrive playing next to an extra body in the deep third of the field.

It’s still a risk the Raiders shouldn’t take. Joyner is one of the most overpaid players in the league based on his dismal performance from last season. It would be a major surprise if Las Vegas doesn’t cut him loose at the earliest opportunity.

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