Sportsnaut
The Las Vegas Raiders‘ starting defensive backs have a lot to prove in the upcoming season. The team declined an offer for Jakobi Meyers that had a non-negotiable condition. Amari Cooper revealed why he returned to the Silver and Black. Raiders Daily examines key areas of the club’s initial depth chart and catches up on a big-name acquisition.
The Raiders’ initial 53-man roster lacks household names in the secondary. Jeremy Chinn is the most accomplished among the defensive backs, and his career numbers don’t jump off the screen.
Eric Stokes, who has 32 starts in four seasons, and rookie third-rounder Darien Porter could line up on the boundary while second-year pro Decamerion Richardson and third-year backup Kyu Blu Kelly provide depth at cornerback.
The Raiders cut Terrell Edmunds, Trey Taylor and versatile defensive back JT Woods, which limits their options at safety to Isaiah Pola-Mao, Chris Smith II and Thomas Harper when Chinn lines up in the slot. The club placed Lonnie Johnson Jr. (broken fibula) on injured reserve.
#RAIDERS ROSTER MOVES: #RaiderNation | @Raiders pic.twitter.com/WPUr582c4M
— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) August 26, 2025
On Wednesday, Las Vegas can claim players off waivers or sign them after they clear it. In all likelihood, general manager John Spytek will add veteran help in the secondary. The Raiders have the sixth spot, same as their draft position, in the waiver wire order.
Read More: Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Season Preview
On the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that one team inquired about a trade for Jakobi Meyers, but it wanted the Raiders to take on some of his salary.
"My understanding is the Raiders had one team reach out to trade for Jakobi Meyers but they wanted them to pick up some of his salary..
The Raiders aren't willing to do that and they're not looking to deal him" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/j161QUcTMR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 26, 2025
Las Vegas balked at the condition and intends to retain Meyers. On Tuesday, the 28-year-old wideout appeared at practice (h/t Sports Illustrated’s Ezekiel Trezevant IV), which indicates that the communication between his camp and the team remains open amid a contract dispute.
#Raiders WRs Jakobi Meyers (16) & Amari Cooper(19) at practice today.#RaiderNation#NFL pic.twitter.com/o7tZFkIBhG
— Ezekiel Trezevant IV (@EzTrez_SI) August 26, 2025
Even with the addition of Amari Cooper, who’s on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, the Raiders still have approximately $27 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, which is more than enough resources to give Meyers a short-term raise.
Read More: Jakobi Meyers Requests Trade: 5 Ideal Destinations for 1,000-Yard Receiver
Despite the Raiders’ abysmally poor record last year and their offseason rebuild under an essentially new front office and coaching staff, Amari Cooper...
