The Las Vegas Raiders need all hands on deck for this season, but OTAs are voluntary, not mandatory.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak at the podium to talk about defensive back Taron Johnson
Raiders’ YouTube Channel
There is something currently making the Las Vegas Raiders fan base freak out. It’s only the OTAs portion of the offseason—it’s not even time for mandatory minicamp yet. However, fans are fans for a reason; they overreact to everything involving their team, and that’s what makes them such good fans.
In this scenario, there are rumors and even partial reports that new Raiders’ defensive back Taron Johnson is seeking more guaranteed money on his contract. Those reports suggest that’s why he’s not at OTAs, and hasn’t been yet. Vegas just traded for him this offseason from the Buffalo Bills. When healthy, and that’s a big if in the equation, he can be elite at times.
This is causing fans to freak out, wondering if he might not be available for training camp. He’s set to be the starter at nickel. Recently, head coach Klint Kubiak addressed the situation and actually said what needed to be said to calm everything down a bit.
Klint Kubiak addressed Taron Johnson not at OTAs
“Yeah, shoot, it’s a voluntary time of year, can’t wait to get those guys [LB Nakobe Dean also not at OTAs] back. Really fired up for the guys that are here, but have been in contact with both of those guys and they’ve been doing a great job, some here, some away,” Kubiak told reporters earlier this week.
Klint Kubiak on Taron Johnson and Nakobe Dean’s absence:
“It’s a voluntary time of year. Can’t wait to get those guys back. Really fired up for the guys that are here. But been in contact with both of those guys and they’ve been doing a great job. Some here and some away.”
— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) May 20, 2026
This is how he should respond, because it’s certainly not that big of a deal. There is plenty of time between now and the start of training camp to get the deal done. He wants more guaranteed money, which is fair.
However, if he doesn’t show and it doesn’t get done, the Raiders will have to address their nickel position. Either they just make Greedy Vance the starter at Nickel, as the UDFA NB played decent last season. Or, they make one of the safeties with starter experience the starting nickel.
This situation should work itself out, though.
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