Getty Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.
The Oakland Raiders have wrapped up their 53-man roster cuts ahead of the 2018 NFL regular season. With Week 1’s Monday Night Football Matchup right around the corner, Jon Gruden and company have begun their final 53-man roster cuts. While the surprising Khalil Mack trade made the bulk of the headlines, there was still plenty of news in the form of talented players being released.
The full list of roster cuts has been released, and we updated it over the past few days as the moves came in.
Cornerback Jarell Carter (Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Part of coaching Jon Gruden didn’t miss: He has begun notifying Raiders players they’ve been released. CB Jarell Carter among first to be waived, source said. Cutdown from 90 to 53 players is underway.
Carter was signed just days ago, and it was expected he’d only play in the final preseason game. That proved to be the case, as the former Trinity International University cornerback was released Friday. He did manage to total six tackles and one pass defensed in his lone preseason game.
Safety Quincy Mauger (Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Raiders have notified S Quincy Mauger he has been waived, source said. Team must reduce roster from 90 to 53 players by Saturday at 1 p.m. PT.
Mauger was signed in early August after spending the last offseason with the Atlanta Falcons. A knee injury cut his 2017 season short, and the Raiders gave him a chance over the final preseason games. Mauger had four combined tackles over two games for the Raiders.
Wide receiver Isaac Whitney (Michael Gehlken)
Raiders have notified WR Isaac Whitney he’s been waived, source says. Joined team in 2017 as undrafted rookie. Was promoted to 53-man roster late in year. Took 32 snaps between offense and special teams.
Isaac Whitney signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent last offseason. He spent the bulk of 2017 on the practice squad and was unable to grab a roster spot this year. The former USC receiver caught just two passes for 15 yards this preseason.
Cornerback Raysean Pringle (Michael Gehlken)
Raiders have waived CB Raysean Pringle, source said. Bay Area native joined team during training camp.
Pringle flipped to the defensive side of the ball after playing offense throughout college. He was on the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars practice squads last season. He totaled three combined tackles and two passes defensed this preseason.
Tight end Pharaoh Brown (Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
Raiders cut Pharoah Brown, according to a source
Brown spent 2017 on the Raiders’ practice squad. While the expectation has been all along that Gruden and company would keep Jared Cook, Lee Smith and Derek Carrier, it now leaves Paul Butler and Marcus Baugh as candidates for the practice squad.
Guard/Center Cameron Hunt (SB Nation’s Levi Damien)
#Raiders have waived G/C Cameron Hunt per source. He is being considered for a practice squad spot.
Cameron Hunt had a solid preseason and drew praise from the coaching staff. It’s good to hear he’s in consideration for a practice squad spot. Based on the importance Gruden and the coaching staff put on the offensive line, it wouldn’t be surprising if he winds up landing there.
Center James Stone
Raiders have waived center James Stone, source said. Jon Feliciano cemented as primary backup to Rodney Hudson.
Cornerback Antwuan Davis
Raiders have waived CB Antwuan Davis, source said. They claimed him off waivers Aug. 21 after facing him in joint practices, exhibition opener vs. Lions.
Davis joined the Raiders after starting the preseason with the Detroit Lions. He was an undrafted free agent out of Texas and totaled 32 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and one sack during his final collegiate season.
Defensive end Connor Flagel
Raiders informed DE Connor Flagel he’s been waived, source said. He signed Monday and logged 10 defensive snaps Thursday vs. Seahawks. Film for his next opportunity.
Flagel was another late addition to the Raiders’ offseason roster. He played in the final preseason game but totaled just one tackle.
Tight end Marcus Baugh
Amid buzz from Khalil Mack trade, Raiders still have a 53-man roster to reach. TE Marcus Baugh among those waived today, source said. Cutdown from 90 players must be completed by 1 p.m. PT.
As previously mentioned, it seems likely now that Paul Butler will be a part of the Raiders practice squad, barring the team making a surprise move.
Offensive lineman Denver Kirkland
Raiders have waived versatile G-T Denver Kirkland, source said. He played 119 offensive snaps as rookie in 2016. Saw time as extra blocking tight end. Missed all of last season to foot injury.
Linebacker James Cowser
#Raiders have waived LB James Cowser per source.
Cowser had an impressive finish to the preseason, but it wasn’t enough for him to hold a spot on the 53-man roster.
Tight end Paul Butler
Raiders are waiving TE Paul Butler, per source. They hope to keep him for practice squad if he clears waivers.
Butler is a likely candidate for the team’s practice squad.
Guard Oday Aboushi
Raiders have released G Oday Aboushi, source said. He did not allow a QB pressure this preseason on 74 pass-block snaps, according to @PFF.
Safety Shalom Luani traded to Seahawks
Luani was a fan favorite for the Raiders last season, but he never got rolling with the new coaching staff. He’ll have an opportunity to be reunited with Ken Norton Jr. in Seattle.
Wide receiver Martavis Bryant
There is talk of possible release of Raiders WR Martavis Bryant, source said. They acquired him in April for third-round pick. Months of internal fear followed about his standing with league. Despite reports to contrary, that fear is real and persists.
Raiders struggled with how best to approach WR Martavis Bryant. Knew suspension a possibility. Deliberated over how many practice reps to give him in camp, knowing he might be unavailable for season. All came to end today.
The Martavis Bryant saga has come to an end and the Raiders lost a third-round pick in the process. Not only that, but it seems Bryant could be facing league discipline and if that’s the case, his career could be in trouble.
Quarterback Connor Cook
Raiders now have released QB Connor Cook, per source.
After the Raiders acquired quarterback AJ McCarron, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport revealed, this move seemed likely. If the Raiders wind up keeping three quarterbacks, it’ll be EJ Manuel who keeps his job after a superb performance in the final preseason game.
Defensive end Mario Edwards Jr.
#Raiders have cut former second round pick Mario Edwards according to source @RaidersSnakePit
Wide receiver Marcell Ateman
The seventh-round pick seemed to have a real shot at making the 53-man roster, but things didn’t work out. It’s unfortunate, and he’s certainly a strong choice for the practice squad if he doesn’t get signed first.
Wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (Matt Schneidman of the Bay Area News Group)
Offensive tackle Jylan Ware
Raiders have waived OT Jylan Ware, source said. A 2017 seventh-round pick. Candidate for team’s practice squad.
Cornerback Antonio Hamilton
Raiders have waived CB Antonio Hamilton, he announced on Twitter.
Guard Jordan Simmons
Raiders have waived G Jordan Simmons, source said. Another tough cut. High-ceiling prospect. Has work ethic to realize it. No guarantee he clears waivers Sunday. But if he does, a shoo-in for practice squad.
Fullback Ryan Yurachek
Raiders are waiving fullback Ryan Yurachek, per source. He’s staying in the Bay Area tonight since Raiders have their eye on him for a practice squad spot if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
Running back James Butler
The Oakland Raiders have waived former Nevada Running Back James Butler. He signed mid training camp with the silver and black. Will have to see if he signs to a practice squad somewhere.
Linebacker Jason Cabinda, cornerback Shareece Wright
Raiders waive UDFA rookie LB Jason Cabinda, release CB Shareece Wright.
Safety Dallin Leavitt
Defensive lineman Shakir Soto, Defensive tackle Gabe Wright, Linebacker Azeem Victor (Team)
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Raiders 53-man Roster Cuts: Final List of Players Released