After the Eli Apple deal fell through earlier this offseason, the Raiders were continuing to search for veteran cornerback help. They were able to secure that veteran today as the team agreed to a one-year deal with former Giants and Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Amukamara has started 99 games in his NFL career and he spent the last three seasons with the Bears. Since 2017, he’s started 42 games and has been an average cornerback or better, according to Pro Football Focus. Amukamara gave up 657 receiving yards in 2019 and three downs as quarterbacks had a passer rating of 105.2 when targeting him.
The Raiders are hoping that he can bounce back in 2020 as he will help tutor Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette. He will likely open the season as the starter opposite of Mullen, but don’t be surprised if Arnette eats into his playing time as the season goes along.
At this stage in free agency, this is a smart, low-risk signing by general manager Mike Mayock and company. It will be fascinating to see how this move pans out for the team during the 2020 season.
