March 3, 2026, 1:08 p.m. PT
With free agency a little over a week away, it’s time to check in on the cornerback position for the Las Vegas Raiders to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.
Starters: Darien Porter, Kyu Blu Kelly
Backups: DeCamerion Richardson, Greedy Vance, Chigozie Anusiem
Free agents: Eric Stokes, Darnay Holmes
The one constant presence at cornerback last season for the Raiders was Eric Stokes. He was the starter on the right side from the moment he showed up in the offseason and remained there the entire season. On the left, rookie third round pick Darien Porter got the first shot at the job, but lost out to Kyu Blu Kelly come the regular season. Come midseason, Kelly was hobbled and Porter returned to the starting lineup.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Condition: Serious
The biggest decision the Raiders have to make is whether to bring back Eric Stokes. That’s the most serious question they face at the position. And being that we are on the doorstep of free agency, there clearly hasn’t been a sense of urgency to do that. Neither Porter nor Kelly have not proven they are starting caliber. And Porter was a raw prospect to begin with. A former wide receiver seemingly selected by the Raiders because of Pete Carroll’s belief in big cornerbacks for his defense. And with all this, we haven’t even discussed the nickel corner position.