The Las Vegas Raiders have experienced significant roster changes, particularly on the defensive side, with Trevon Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, and Robert Spillane all signing multi-year contracts with other teams. Further defensive departures are anticipated in free agency. However, the Raiders have also prioritized bolstering their defense, signing Jeremy Chinn to a two-year contract and re-signing Malcolm Koonce to a one-year deal.
While these additions are intended to strengthen the defense, they do not fully compensate for the loss of key starters particularly in the defensive secondary.
According to Vic Tafur for The Athletic, the Raiders free agency may be eyeing more additions at cornerback.
“I could see Pete Carroll rolling with free agent CBs Ahkello Witherspoon or Benjamin St-Juste. One of several Raiders needs before the draft,” Tafur wrote on X
Las Vegas Raiders Free Agency: Ahkello Witherspoon and Benjamin St. Juste
Witherspoon’s return to the Los Angeles Rams was a timely and impactful one. Initially brought back in the late summer due to a series of injuries within the cornerback position, he steadily worked his way back into a starting role, particularly after the trade of Tre’Davious White to Baltimore. His performance, especially during the latter half of the season, was impressive.
Alongside veteran Darious Williams, Witherspoon thrived, showcasing his playmaking abilities. In the Rams’ final six games, including the playoffs, he recorded seven pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a sack. Despite approaching his 30th birthday this spring, Witherspoon has shown no signs of declining performance, demonstrating his continued value to the Rams’ defense.
St-Juste’s recent demotion from his starting role as Washington’s boundary cornerback in December presents an intriguing opportunity for teams seeking a player with untapped potential. While his recent benching might raise concerns, his underlying skill set and demonstrated periods of strong performance suggest he could be a valuable acquisition at a reasonable cost.
It is true that St-Juste has shown a tendency to be overly grabby, evidenced by his 19 penalties since 2023, a statistic that ties him for third-most among defensive backs. However, his physical presence in press coverage, combined with his surprising quickness and fluid movement despite his lanky build, are undeniable assets. Given these attributes, it’s reasonable to expect that St-Juste will find a starting opportunity with another team, even if he needs to accept a one-year contract to re-establish his value.