If the Las Vegas Raiders have an apparent position of weakness heading into the 2025 season, it’s at cornerback. Head coach Pete Carroll is still sorting through his depth chart at corner. Eric Stokes, rookie Darien Porter, Decamerion Richardson, and Kyu Blu Kelly have all been competing for reps outside.
The cornerbacks collectively struggled in Saturday’s preseason Week 2 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy completed 5-of-7 passing attempts. Backup Mac Jones came in and carved Vegas’ secondary up, completing 13-of-16 passes, though he did throw an interception. Stokes was credited by Pro Football Focus with allowing three receptions and 41 yards on three targets.
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With training camp winding down, and the 53-man roster deadline next Tuesday, you’re starting to see veteran movement around the league. On Monday, free-agent pass rusher Matthew Judon signed with the Miami Dolphins, and cornerback Xavien Howard joined the Indianapolis Colts.
If the Raiders are going to consider making a move, it’s worth kicking the tires on free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel Jr. is a 25-year-old cornerback and former second-round pick. He’s been a stellar NFL cornerback, but dealt with neck and shoulder injuries last year that ended his season prematurely. The unknown status of Samuel Jr.’s health is why he remains available in free agency.
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The Raiders would also have to assess Samuel Jr.’s fit in Pete Carroll’s defense. Coach Carroll tends to prefer bigger, longer corners. Samuel Jr. was listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds at the NFL combine, and he’s more of a man-coverage defender as opposed to a Cover 3 Zone cornerback. Regardless, the Raiders look like they could use help at cornerback, and Samuel Jr. would be worth checking in with.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Should the Raiders consider signing CB Asante Samuel Jr.?