Before every season, there are a handful of players who are released that surprise NFL fans. Typically, these are older veterans who grown a little long in the tooth, and their eventual replacements are already on the roster. Sometimes, these cuts are made for cap reasons or to free up snaps and playing time for younger players.
Today, we are looking at four players who could be surprise cuts for the Raiders before the team opens up the season against the Denver Broncos.
RB Doug Martin
After Isaiah Crowell went down with a season-ending injury, the Raiders re-signed veteran Doug Martin to help the development of Josh Jacobs. Martin was productive for the Raiders last season, rushing for 723 yards and four touchdowns on 172 carries.
But with Jacobs likely to carry the load as a rookie and Jalen Richard continuing to dominate in the passing game, it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see the Raiders release Martin in favor of a player like Chris Warren. If Warren has another outstanding preseason, look for Martin to possibly be on his way out before the 2019 season even begins.
WR J.J. Nelson
The Raiders have done an excellent job this offseason at rebuilding their wide receiver corps. Gone are Jordy Nelson and Seth Roberts, and in are Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams. However, there is one free agent signing by Mike Mayock that may not make it to the season: J.J. Nelson.
Oakland took a chance on the Nelson this offseason to bring more speed to the offense. But with the team drafting Hunter Renfrow and signing Ryan Grant, there just may not be a spot on the roster for Nelson. While his speed is fantastic, his size and hands are not. He is a very limited receiver who can’t do much else besides run fast.
Nelson certainly has a chance to make the roster, but don’t be surprised if he is one of several talented receivers to be released by the Raiders before Week 1.
OT Brandon Parker
In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected two offensive tackles in the first two days: Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker. Miller opened up the season at left tackle, while Parker eventually started 12 games on the right side.
Unfortunately for Oakland, both struggled mightily – Parker more than Miller. According to Pro Football Focus, Parker graded out as the second-worst tackle in the league, only ahead of Texans rookie Martinas Rankin. Parker allowed 43 pressures on 490 pass-blocking snaps, the most in the NFL.
With the Raiders signing Trent Brown to play right tackle, Parker could be on the outside looking in. He will likely compete with David Sharpe and undrafted free agent Tyler Roemer for the final tackle spot on the roster.
If Parker doesn’t improve dramatically this offseason, look for the Raiders to move on from their third-round pick from just a year ago.
DT Eddie Vanderdoes
In just the last year, the Raiders have dramatically improved their interior defensive line. Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall were selected in 2018, and each flashed at times as rookies. Oakland re-signed veteran Johnathan Hankins as he has proven to be one of the best run-stoppers in the NFL. Justin Ellis remains an excellent backup, and the team is still high on veteran Gabe Wright.
Unfortunately, the means 2017 third-round pick in Eddie Vanderdoes could be on his way out unless he has an outstanding training camp and preseason. Vanderdoes started 13 games as a rookie, totaling 18 tackles and two quarterback hits. But it is his health that is concerning for the Raiders.
Vanderdoes was placed on the physically unable to perform list in 2018 and never played a single game. He’s dealt with knee issues in the past which caused him to miss his entire junior season at UCLA.
If Vanderdoes can’t prove that he is healthy and back to 100 percent, don’t be surprised if the Raiders move on from him in favor of a veteran. With so many young defensive linemen already on the roster, they may want reliable players behind Hurst and Hall instead of someone like Vanderdoes.
