Following their rookie minicamp this past weekend, the Las Vegas Raiders made a flurry of roster moves aimed at reshaping the back end of their 90-man offseason roster.
On Monday, the team announced the signing of six players, including the previously reported addition of veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith, who brings experience and leadership to the defensive unit. To make room, the Raiders made six corresponding cuts—most notably parting ways with defensive tackle Matthew Butler.
Butler, a 2022 fifth-round pick, played in 15 games over the past two seasons, registering 15 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Despite his draft pedigree and initial promise, Butler had yet to carve out a consistent role on the defensive line and now finds himself looking for a new opportunity.
The Raiders also released wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, while waiving four other players: offensive tackle Dominic Boyd, linebacker Amari Burney, wide receiver Tyreik McAllister, and linebacker Brandon Smith.
Las Vegas Raiders Sign 6, After Cutting 6
The team filled those vacancies by signing the following players:
- Jaylon Smith, LB (veteran free agent)
- Jahfari Harvey, DE (rookie free agent)
- Ketron Jackson Jr., WR (rookie free agent)
- Key’Shawn Smith, WR (rookie free agent)
- Wesley Steiner, LB (rookie free agent)
- Jonathan Sutherland, S (rookie free agent)
With training camp on the horizon, these moves reflect the Raiders’ intent to reshape the roster in the image of the new coaching staff by injecting fresh competition and depth across several key positions. The addition of young talent, along with a proven veteran in Smith, signals that the front office remains active in finding the right mix of players for the 2024 season.
Whether any of the new signees can stick beyond the summer remains to be seen—but after a weekend of evaluations, the reshuffling has already begun.