The cornerback position was a big area of focus for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason as not only did they draft Damon Arnette in the first round, but they also brought in a veteran in Prince Amukamara.
It’s clear that Trayvon Mullen will be one of the team’s starters on the outside, and with the organization being unsure how soon Arnette will be able to start, they made sure to bring in someone with experience in Amukamara.
The Raiders originally pegged Eli Apple as the veteran they wanted to sign, but his deal fell through due to injury concerns, so the team pivoted to Amukamara.
While Amukamara was supposed to bring some experience and leadership to the cornerback room, it appears he won’t get the opportunity to do that as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network is reporting that the Raiders are releasing him:
The #Raiders have released CB Prince Amukamara, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2020
Josina Anderson of ESPN was able to confirm the release with Amukamara himself:
Just got off the phone with #Raiders CB Prince Amukamara who was informed of his release today: "I spoke to Mike Mayock this morning. He said they like where they're at with the young guys. I respect him. I still want to play. I've played in all systems. I can thrive anywhere."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 31, 2020
Arnette has been working with the starters in training camp and all reports on his play have been positive, so it looks like he will win the starting job opposite of Mullen.
The Raiders’ cornerback room is now one of the youngest in the league as they also have a pair of second-year players in Keisean Nixon and Isaiah Johnson as their backups.
Amukamara likely won’t have an issue finding a new home as the nine-year veteran still has some game left in him. It won’t be with the Raiders though, who are taking the risk of going with a young cornerback duo in hopes they will have breakout seasons.
