Raiders Could Pursue CB Addition

The Raiders’ secondary will look much different in 2025 than it did last year. Further changes could be coming at the cornerback spot in particular.

[RELATED: Recapping Raiders’ Offseason]

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes it would not come as a surprise if a cornerback addition were to be made prior to Week 1. Former Packers first-rounder Eric Stokes – added this spring via free agency – is in line to operate as a starter on the perimeter. The top slot job, meanwhile, looks to belong to Darnay Holmes, who handled a rotational during his debut Vegas campaign.

As for the other first-team gig on the perimeter, training camp has resulted in a number of corners receiving a look. Third-round rookie Darien Porter has enjoyed a strong summer so far, per Bonsignore, and he has a strong chance of beating out 2024 fourth-rounder Decamerion Richardson as a result. The team’s depth chart ahead of this week’s preseason action lists Porter as a starter and Richardson as a backup, although of course that does not offer any finality on the matter.

Per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Kyu Blu Kelly received a portion of first-team reps during today’s practice. The 2023 draftee has made only 12 appearances to date in his career, although four of those came with the Raiders last season. Kelly is listed as a backup on this week’s depth chart, but he has two more preseason contests to attempt to play his way into a starting gig.

The likes of Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas and Kendall Fuller remain unsigned at this point, and they could be added on a one-year deal to offer experience and starting-caliber play at the CB position. Vegas has nearly $35MM in cap space, so finances will not be an issue if a short-term addition is deemed necessary later this summer.