Regardless what you know, what you see and what you hear, there always are two or more surprise cuts by the Raiders at the end of training camp each season. This year figures to be no exception, with three veteran players that have starting experience heading the list of prime candidates. Last year, many were
Three players stand out as leading candidates to be surprise cuts during Raiders training camp
Probably wouldn’t even notice if these guys weren’t on the team this year. That’s unfortunate.
In order of likelihood for these three being cut, I’d go: Parker, Hall and then Key. Arden has shown flashes of ability to get to the QB but a frustrating inability to bring his guy down. Add that to the injury last year and he might get another year to see what he can do under DL genius Rod Marinelli.
You can’t have too much pass rush from your front and we have had far too little for too long to give up on a guy too early. Key might just scrape in to play on passing downs…
With this Raiders regime, there is sure to be a personnel surprise or two. Seems like Gruden is always “tinkering” with the personnel–even during the season–which is not ideal for long term success. Although, I wouldn’t necessarily call any of these guys a surprise cut since they are all on a seemingly short leash this off season.
Would any of these guys take an opt-out year instead as a means to “stay”?
Considering the number of players taking an opt-out today, it says something about the lack of confidence in the NFL to do things right. They’re seeing how it is going in the MLB, and it’s not going well at all.
Wasn’t Hall eating up double teams last year? I feel like Key has shown he can contribute to the pass rush, he’s had some bad luck. Also, Is the roster at 55 this year?
The roster increases on game day only. Once the game is over, teams revert to a 53-man roster.
As for Hall, he started 12 games and had his moments. But, not enough moments to keep the Raiders from signing Maliek Collins.
As for Key, he had bad luck last season but he’s in Year 3 now, and it’s time to produce. The Raiders aren’t waiting for his production to catch up with his potential. It’s go time for him, too.
Boom. And just like that, Hall is out.