3 Raiders veterans who will be cut before Week 1 and why
The Las Vegas Raiders are turning over a new leaf but, unfortunately, that will likely see these Raiders veterans get cut before Week 1 rolls around.
The Josh Jacobs contract dispute has been the cloud hanging over the start of Las Vegas Raiders training camp and, frankly, it remains to be seen if/how/when that situation will be resolved. In the meantime, though, the Raiders are heading into the 2023 season nonetheless and at a highly interesting time for the franchise.
Derek Carr is out and in comes veteran Jimmy Garoppolo as QB1. It’s year two for Davante Adams in Vegas with some talent around him, not the least of whom is Raiders second-round pick Michael Mayer at tight end. There are also high hopes for first-round pick Tyree Wilson, though he’s not yet started practicing in training camp yet.
On the flip side, however, this team is heading into one of the NFL’s toughest divisions with glaring roster holes in the secondary, on the offensive line, and at several other spots as well. But the Raiders have undoubtedly brought in a ton of new blood that could make an impact in the 2023 season and, more crucially, beyond.
As a result, these Raiders veterans will end up getting cut before Week 1 rolls around as the Vegas regime makes a push to lay a foundation for the future of the Silver and Black.
Raiders veteran who will be cut No. 3: Brandon Bolden, RB
Admittedly, things are exceptionally fluid at the running back position in Las Vegas thanks to the Josh Jacobs situation. At the end of the day, though, it’s hard to see 33-year-old Brandon Bolden ending up on the roster.
Josh McDaniels has not been shy about bringing in former Patriots in the year-plus since he became head coach and Bolden is part of that. And to be sure, the veteran running back is a versatile piece who can be an effective role player, even at his age.
The problem is that there just isn’t sensible room for him on the roster. Second-year back Zamir White figures to be the primary backup to Jacobs — or the starter depending on what ultimately transpires there — leaving Bolden, Ameer Abdullah, 2022 seventh-round Brittain Brown, and 2022 UDFA signing Sincere McCormick to battle it out for either one or two more roster spots.
Abdullah, however, is likely in direct competition with Bolden given that, for the offense, they do a lot of the same things. Therein lies the rub when it comes to the fate of the former Patriot, though. Not only is Abdullah three years younger than Bolden while doing many of the same things for the offense, but he also has return ability on special teams, furthering his value.
Bolden’s experience, particularly in McDaniels’ system, is valuable. But at the end of the day, there isn’t going to be room for a 33-year-old back in this specific running back room.